Electronics

[hopi]

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@tiny 2 wrote:

Mine tried to join in a conversation I was having with a contractor. Both Alexas are now enjoying a time out in a closet.

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@tiny 2

[gardenman]

I activated it a week or two ago. The new voice was disconcerting the first time I heard it. I was like, "Whoa! Who's that? What have you done to Alexa?" I don't think they chose the best possible voice for the new Alexa. I'm getting more used to her now. 

[monicakm]

@gardenman

You can always change it. There are eight voices. If anyone is interested in finding out more about Alexa plus here is the title of an article on ZDNet dot Com. ZDNet is a tech site/forum. Here is the name of the article...
What is Alexa+? Everything you need to know about Amazon's new AI assistant.

[monicakm]

@gardenman 

I've settled on the "masculine/friendly" voice.  Just tell Alexa you want to hear all the Alexa Plus voices.

[Mz iMac]

@monicakm I have 4 DOTS around my apt.  3 third generations & 1 fourth generation.  Only 1 is enabled for Alexa+. 

I've had DOTs since the 2nd generation.

Frankly, I do not "hear" a difference w/+.  All of my DOTs do the same things w/+ enabled or not enabled.  So I keep the 4th gen enabled in case I missed something.  To date I haven't.

None of my DOTs has EVER been named "Alexa" nor had a female sounding voice.  No 5 queen bees can live in the same household.

All of my DOTs have always had the voice of Samual L. Jackson - UNCENSORED.

FWIW:  I   the DOT superbowl commercial w/Michael B Jordan.  I couldn't find his voice to add. 

[chessylady]

I have never used Alexa or Suri. I have no need to use AI. I am retired and already use social media too much. AI is not entirely benign. It is programmed to please you and younger people have become dependent on the social aspects of AI. I have a distrust of the persons who own and control AI that it can be used for propaganda and surveillance purposes.

[monicakm]

I wouldn't consider AI as social media but you can use AI in a social media environment. Your wise to be critical of AI. It's best to know all of the risks before you decide if you want to use it. I sold my soul to Google in 2017 so I'm a goner. Like most things there are good sides and bad sides. The internet and TV are two prime examples. Most people don't know what an AI-enabled "smart home" can do. And people with mobility issues benefit even more. When my husband had a heart attack last February and I didn't want to leave him to find my phone and call 911, I told Google to do it. During my knee surgeries I fell and my phone flew out of my reach. I used Google to call my husband. When we are in the kitchen cooking and need two three or four timers, we just tell Google to set multiple timers. I can go on and on and on but I know you're not interested so I won't LOL. I'm a little bit more leery of Alexa then Google simply because Alexa has been caught. They both can be intrusive. Everyone needs to know that going in.

[monicakm]

@Mz iMac

I didn't see the one with Michael Jordan but I did see the one with Anthony Hopkins and it was pretty darn funny.

The Alexa Plus is Google's Gemini. Both are more contextually aware and dive deeper with its AI answers. For years Google has had continuing conversations which means after it's answer you can continue follow up questions if you ask them within 8 Seconds. I don't think Alexa has had this but will with Alexa Plus.

[Mz iMac]

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@monicakm wrote:
For years Google has had continuing conversations which means after it's answer you can continue follow up questions if you ask them within 8 Seconds. I don't think Alexa has had this but will with Alexa Plus.

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@monicakm  Yes now Echo+ has this.  My regular  DOTs do not have that function.

The Michael B Jordon commercial is on YouTube.  If you watch it make sure you watch the 1:31min version from beginning to end.

I thought Echos was introducing their new sexy male voices.  I have yet to find any.  Amazon needs some female coders up in there. 

I visit the DOTs message boards often.  To date, Alexa+ is 50% likable (on their message boards).  25% turned it completly off, 25% like me only has it on 1 Echo device & 50% loves it or has a hate/love relationship w/it.

[gadgetgal613]

I use Alexa to set an alarm, ask what time it is, what the temperature it is and who won the ball game.  I'm not anti tech, I just don't have much use for her beyond what I mentioned.  I doubt I need Alexa+.