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)
Alexa, make me a martini and then go outside and clean up the dog poop in the backyard... Alexa?? Hello??