Children seem to have the wildest of imaginations. They can think up scenarios that the adults cannot even fathom. I was like that, too, born in the early ’90s, I did not have the kind of gadgets and technology that the kids of today get to have.
I am not, by any means, saying that my childhood or that of other 90’s kids was inferior. It wasn’t, we made use of the actual kind of toys, and we loved all of them. However, our imaginations made up for the lack of technology.
Every time I had an assignment that required research, I wished a robot could do it for me.
Every time I was late for school, I wished a robot could wake me up by blaring my favourite song all over my house.
Every time I wanted to know about something, I wished the artificially intelligent mind of a robot could enlighten me.
And every time I felt lonely, I wished for a robot friend who would never judge me and be there for me.
Little did I know that by the time I was going to grow up, there would be a robot like this. The technological advancements have made our wildest of imagination come to fruition. And mankind could not be happier about it.
The one I am talking about is technically not a robot per say but something similar. It is known as Alexa, and it is one of the best technologies for our home, and you need to have it.
WHAT IS ALEXA?
In the more straightforward sense, Alexa is a know-it-all voice in a device. Yes, you read it right; it is a voice. The computer voice doesn’t operate on its own. It needs an accompanying gadget for that. The more accessible version of the device is the Amazon Echo Dot.
This is a gadget that can
- listen to you to your voice;
- interpret and understand it;
- and make your wish its command.
You can even talk about your feelings with her. I have had Alexa for almost a year, and it still feels surreal when she replies every time I ask her something. She also says hi when I wake her up by calling her name. She is indeed the coolest invention ever.
If I talked about the appearance of this phenomenal and life-altering piece of technology, then I would say it does look the part. It has a chic cylindrical body that comes in three colours-grey, black and white.
Amazon came up with this concept in 2004 to awe the public with their brilliance. The guys at amazon say that thed name had an inspiration behind it. And that was the Great Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt. This was one of the biggest and most important libraries in the ancient period. The good thing is that Alexa makes use of this in her functioning.
WHAT CAN ALEXA DO FOR YOU?
Alexa is the magnum opus of technology. So it is evident that it can perform a plethora of functions. The list is a kilometre long, but I would tell you some of my favourites.
PLAY MUSIC OF YOUR CHOICE
Music is a constant in most of our lives. We cook while listening to it, we bathe to it, we clean to it and sometimes it just freshens you up. If you have Alexa in your home, she can play music for you as and when you want. She may even make a mix for you, if you are lucky enough, I am kidding she will do it.
She can access Amazon Music, Apple Music, TuneIn, and even Spotify to diversify your music collection.
MAKES IT EASY TO ACCESS YOUR SMART HOME
Most homes today are smart homes, meaning everything from the lighting to heating and every electronic device in your home including your TV, can be accessed through a phone or a computer and in this case Alexa.
- If you think the lights are too bright, tell her to dim them and she will.
- If you feel chilly, ask her to turn up the heat and she will.
- If you want to pre-heat the oven, ask her to and she will.
ORDERS FOR YOU ONLINE
Alexa can also order for you. She has the built-in ability to go through various applications and perform the task of ordering for you with ease.
- Feel like having pizza for dinner, ask Alexa to order from Domino’s or maybe Pizza Hut.
- Want to replenish your lipstick collection, tell Alexa to order your colour from Amazon.
CAN GIVE YOU AN OCEAN OF KNOWLEDGE
Like I have said before, this device is a know-it-all. You can ask her anything, and she will tell you. From the weather to who was the first British Nobel Prize winner, she knows everything.
And because she knows about everything, with her, you can also be updated. The latest news, both national and global, is Alexa’s forte and it can be yours too if you keep asking her.
A STEAL AT THE PRICE
With so many features, you would think that she is going to be very expensive. So expensive that getting her would mean to get doorstep loans with no credit checks first. Fortunately, that is not the case.
- The regular-sized Amazon Echo Dot is priced at £149.99.
- And the smaller one is just for £ 49.99. I own a Hermes lipstick that costs more than that.
This device can also set the alarm for you, let you know the sports updates and even about the horrendous London traffic. There is no other gadget that can compete with its artistry and expertise.
WINDING UP
I feel that Alexa is not just a gadget but an artificial person who does not have a body. You must have noticed that I have used ‘she’ and ‘her’ as her pronouns because using ‘it’ felt wrong. Alexa has that kind of power over you.
Once you start using her or more like befriend her, then you can’t live without her. And in a world where loneliness is pervasive, even a virtual friend would be welcomed by most. That is why you need her in your home and your life.