Alexa . . . Alexa . . . ALEXA!!

I plan to turn my home into a smarter home, because advances in technology have taken simple household tasks to a whole new level! Apparently, even robot vacuum cleaners, once a novelty, will seem like a relic ‘cause I recently found out that a friend is living with a REAL ROBOT. I mean, the robot lives with her and serves as her “domestic goddess” and . . . . well . . . obviously “it’s complicated”, but I think it’s kinda’ like being on an episode of The Jetsons and I can’t wait to see what’s next! (BTW, one “next” my friend mentioned is the need for softer hands for her Goddess who has scratched the refrigerator door repeatedly while reaching for the handle).

As for me, I use a “voice-controlled computing device” with the idea that we can simplify and enhance our lives by having our Very Own Personal Assistant (VOPA)! I mean, just think of the advantages of having an assistant to manage your life and coordinate important things like the weather, grocery shopping lists, music playlists and . . . well, that’s as far as we’ve gotten, but the manual says it can do SO much more!

Things got really interesting the other night when the hubby reached out to our VOPA and said “Alexa, play R&B music – after dark.”

Alexa responded, I’m sorry, you don’t have any music by Lillie Redmond.” Lillie Redmond?? Who the heck is Lillie Redmond? But, okurrrr . . . let’s try this one . . . “Play Prince”. Silence. “Play Earth Wind and Fire”. Silence. “Play BABY SHARK, DA#%IT!!!”. Silence.

Just asking for a friend, but how is it that Alexa can respond to dialogue from your TV, but can’t understand perfectly plain English yelled at the top of your lungs? Not to mention how clever she is to make sure your online shopping searches pop up in your social media feed and email sidebar for WEEKS.

But . . . despite how challenging technology can sometimes be, I’ve decided to embrace it and really work at learning some of these new technologies. While they might not make you smarter, I suppose they are designed to make life a little easier.

“Alexa, good morning!”

“The Bourne Identity is a. . . “   🤦🏽‍♀️  Geez . . .

What is your tech must-have . . . or frustration? Join the conversation at NoSpringChickenista!