Posted on 03/11/2016 7:11:20 AM PST by doldrumsforgop
The familiar voice of Apple’s AAPL, +0.49% Siri may be overtaken by Amazon’s Alexa, according to an analyst.
James Cakmak, an analyst at Monness, Crespi & Hardt, said that Alexa, a virtual assistant, could be in the top position because of its integration with the Amazon Echo, a voice-command and speaker device, as well as its integration with other home brands.
“While we originally argued Siri could serve as the industry’s standard, we increasingly see Alexa in that position, particularly given the opening of Alexa for third-party devices,” Cakmak said.
Alexa is integrated into Nest and Honeywell HON, +1.35% thermostats and is a partner of Ford Motor Co. F, +0.65%
Cakmak had downgraded Amazon on January 4 to neutral from buy and suspended his price target, based on a high pace of investment and lower-than-expected revenue from Amazon Web Services, the company’s cloud computing services.
(Excerpt) Read more at marketwatch.com ...
On the way home, I began wondering why do I really want something in my house that hears everything said and is tied in intimately to the internet.
Anyone else believe this is in actuality a 'spy' machine?
That’s been on Android for a while — OK Google, the always listening setting, with screen on or off. I had it on for a bit but turned it off, not just because it was creepy in theory, but also because it would turn on with a ding and “listen for music” all the time, just with the TV on, etc.
I imagine any smart phone could be listening to you, without your even knowing it.
I still don’t understand the appeal of a voice command, over just typing a search into Google, etc, though.
You can bark or type orders at your VPA and let it do the hard work for you.
I think the latest update addressed the issue somewhat by adding voice training as a mandatory step in enabling the function. Not even Alexa turns it on anymore.
My exact concern.
Nope.
I’ve looked over the Alexa history, and most common uses in our household is timers for cooking, light music (jazz and 1970s rock), weather, shopping lists, and daily news updates.
Worth the price? Don’t think so, a good bluetooth speaker paired to a cell phone is likely more useful overall, as Google or Siri has more functionality. But Alexa’s uses are increasing daily, so the gap is continually shrinking. It has been interesting watching all of them evolve in the last year.
A prime example of a function that others have that Alexa doesn’t is sending messages or setting a reminder tied to a location. (Such as OK google, remind me to get wiper blades when I’m at WalMart)
I have one and I use it all the time...it’s particularly handy when you’re cooking or doing some other activity where your hands are occupied, and don’t want to stop what you’re doing or go wash your hands so you can get on your computer or tablet.
Yes.
Alexa, make me a martini and then go outside and clean up the dog poop in the backyard... Alexa?? Hello??
I would not put the Echo right next to the den sofa or on the nightstand next to the bed. The way I'm using it, I can ask for the news and weather as I walk down the stairs... and if Alexa wants to eavesdrop, she'll need a parabolic mic attachment. Pretty simple, really - just use your head about where you place the thing.
Some people have injuries that mean a voice assistant makes devices of all kinds considerably easier to use.
I got one and I love it. Mainly use it for music and alarm clock, but I do have some tracking lighting tied into it as well.
I am planning on doing more soon.
I like the ones that have women dancing on your toolbar...... ah I mean something different....
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