# Amazon Echo...new Siri like device with a speaker **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 7, 2014, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986 "2014-11-07T15:22:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![TimeWinder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bcef8e/32.png) [@TimeWinder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TimeWinder)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/21 "2014-11-07T18:09:47Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > Try getting her to make a list for you. “Hey Siri. Add Bacon to list Groceries.” Works for me. You need to have a list in the Reminders app called “Groceries” first. I use this all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Randolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Randolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randolph)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/22 "2014-11-07T18:17:20Z")
Have they announced yet when the price will drop to $0.99? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/23 "2014-11-07T20:07:38Z")
There’s a commercial for Cortana, which is Microsoft’s answer to Siri, in which the guy says, “Cortana, remind me to buy anniversary flowers for my wife when I’m near a flower shop.” What kind of loser can’t remember on his own to buy flowers for his wife? And then Domino’s Pizza has a voice-enabled app that you can use to order pizza, for the _really_ lazy. ---
**Author:** ![HipGnosis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/76d3ee/32.png) [@HipGnosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HipGnosis)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/24 "2014-11-07T20:10:34Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > There’s a commercial for Cortana, which is Microsoft’s answer to Siri, in which the guy says, “Cortana, remind me to buy anniversary flowers for my wife when I’m near a flower shop.” What kind of loser can’t remember on his own to buy flowers for his wife? The normal kind. It’s a pretty common scenario. ---
**Author:** ![HipGnosis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/76d3ee/32.png) [@HipGnosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HipGnosis)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/25 "2014-11-07T20:16:40Z")
I googled it The first link was : [Amazon Echo hates your family](http://www.theverge.com/tldr/2014/11/7/7173725/this-is-what-happens-when-amazon-echo-hates-you) ---
**Author:** ![HipGnosis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/76d3ee/32.png) [@HipGnosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HipGnosis)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/26 "2014-11-07T20:30:38Z")
After reading a bit, I can see this as potentially a big hit with anyone who is typing or reading challenged. It could be their first connection with the internet. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/27 "2014-11-07T21:14:02Z")
> [@TimeWinder](#): > > “Hey Siri. Add Bacon to list Groceries.” > > Works for me. You need to have a list in the Reminders app called “Groceries” first. I use this all the time. OK, I added a list in the Reminders app called Groceries. Then I said the same thing you quoted above - “Hey Siri, add Bacon to List Groceries.” Siri gave be a web search for “add bacon to list groceries”. :smack: Now, there’s no guaranties the Amazon thing will do any better, but a girl can hope. ---
**Author:** ![TimeWinder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bcef8e/32.png) [@TimeWinder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TimeWinder)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/28 "2014-11-07T21:39:24Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > OK, I added a list in the Reminders app called Groceries. Then I said the same thing you quoted above - “Hey Siri, add Bacon to List Groceries.” > > Siri gave be a web search for “add bacon to list groceries”. :smack: > > Now, there’s no guaranties the Amazon thing will do any better, but a girl can hope. That’s weird. I use it constantly, and Siri’s never given me a web search. Maybe there’s a configuration setting somewhere? Or give her a hint the first time and say “Add bacon to _reminder_ list groceries” ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/29 "2014-11-07T21:41:05Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > OK, I added a list in the Reminders app called Groceries. Then I said the same thing you quoted above - “Hey Siri, add Bacon to List Groceries.” > > Siri gave be a web search for “add bacon to list groceries”. :smack: > > Now, there’s no guaranties the Amazon thing will do any better, but a girl can hope. What iOS version are you using? ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/30 "2014-11-07T21:44:38Z")
> [@TimeWinder](#): > > That’s weird. I use it constantly, and Siri’s never given me a web search. Maybe there’s a configuration setting somewhere? Or give her a hint the first time and say “Add bacon to _reminder_ list groceries” Yep, I just did the same test. You have to say something like, “Add bacon to Reminders List ‘Groceries’”. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/31 "2014-11-07T22:10:14Z")
How do you say it in double quotes? ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/32 "2014-11-07T22:57:53Z")
The main long-run purpose of this device, of course, is to get you to buy more and more shit from Amazon. They gave that away out of the box, by pricing it at $200, but also cutting the price in half for anyone who’s already a member of Amazon Prime. It won’t be long before you can stand in your living room and say, “Alexa, buy the latest Star Wars movie on Blu-Ray,” or “Alexa, buy a 12” All-Clad saucepan," and it will automatically charge your credit card and send the thing off to you. Basically, it’s going to be an Amazon impulse-purchase machine. No thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/33 "2014-11-07T23:09:18Z")
I’m considering purchasing the Echo for my Mother as it may make some tasks much easier for her. Why? Because she’s blind. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/34 "2014-11-07T23:15:27Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > I was considering purchasing the Echo for my Mother as it may make some tasks much easier. > > Why? > > Because she’s blind. See, this is a good example of someone who might really benefit from this technology. I’ll be interested to see how long it takes them to offer integration with other networked systems in your house. “Alexa, turn on media center. Go to channel 1008. Volume up.” “Alexa, find recipe for cupcakes. Print recipe.” Stuff like that would be more useful to me, i think, than a talking Wikipedia pole. ---
**Author:** ![pudytat72](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@pudytat72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pudytat72)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/35 "2014-11-07T23:38:23Z")
Alexa hears a child say “Mom, stop, you’re hurting me” and calls CPS Alexa hears an argument where a someone says"If you don’t shut up, I’m going to kill you." and calls the police. “Big Brother” will be listening. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2014, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/36 "2014-11-08T00:40:39Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > See, this is a good example of someone who might really benefit from this technology. I’ll be interested to see how long it takes them to offer integration with other networked systems in your house. Me too mhendo. If you have a disability (let’s throw in severe arthritis and Name Your Disabilty Here besides blindness) and if you have other devices networked in your home via the [Internet of Things](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_Things) which the Echo can interface with, it could be a game changer. And I don’t have a problem with Amazon introducing the device so consumers can order goods through Amazon because I order my eye drops, oral hygiene products, batteries and other sundry items through Amazon. The price is right, especially since my mobility became limited. I’m gonna keep my eye on the Echo. No doubt potential competitors will be doing the same. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2014, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/37 "2014-11-08T00:56:45Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Echo - > > Always ready, connected and fast. Just ask. > > Information, music, news, weather, and more—instantly > Controlled by your voice for hands-free convenience > Voice recognition hears you from across the room > Connected to the cloud so it’s always getting smarter Some of us still prefer our computers to be seen and not heard. Like I would _want_ anyone in earshot to overhear I’m searching for tentacle porn on line, right? And get off my lawn! ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2014, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/38 "2014-11-08T01:01:23Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Some of us still prefer our computers to be seen and not heard. Like I would _want_ anyone in earshot to overhear I’m searching for tentacle porn on line, right? > > And get off my lawn! Broomstick. I haven’t seen the device but I am under the impression it has a switch labeled ON/OFF. And yeah, get off my lawn, ya little f\*ckers! ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2014, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/39 "2014-11-08T17:17:01Z")
> [@HipGnosis](#): > > The normal kind. It’s a pretty common scenario. Heck, my wife and I forgot our three year anniversary just a few days ago. (Well, technically, she remembered at about 9 p.m. that night.) We just had a baby in May, so that’s our excuse, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2014, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986/40 "2014-12-08T22:10:23Z")
So I just got an invite to purchase the Echo and it’ll be at my place by Wednesday! Anyone else already have an Echo? I know that some started receiving invites 2 weeks ago. If so, what do you think? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986.md?page=3)