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I'm trying to figure-out how to control my Smart TV (Sony) with Alexa. I know it can be done (I've seen others do it), but, it can be done and seems like an excellent practical app for seniors (and others).
I never did hook up my Google Home device to my smart TV. There's just so much that it can do that I can do for myself, that I just don't care. I can push a button and turn on the TV myself, LOL.
More than anything I use mine to get the latest news, weather, listen to music and answer questions like, "Hey Google, how many tablespoons are in a 1/4" cup"?. It's much faster and easier than looking it up myself when baking something.
I still wonder if it's listening in to everything I do and reporting it back to Google, LOL.
If she's a senior, she'll appreciate this special "Alexa for Seniors."
The OP's original question is about Alexa Skills. It's interesting that that sketch underscores what I think is the biggest drawback to Alexa Skills. You have to provide very specific phrases to get Alexa to invoke a skill. It's probably the biggest reason I don't use most of the skills.
Zero security or privacy with some of these devices!!
I was having a discussion with my Patent Attorney son about these devices recently and he said one MAJOR brand in particular has zero security or privacy. All commands and information spoken to the device is stored for an extended/indefinite period of time on the manufacturer's servers. This one manufacturer has already received numerous subpoenas for disclosure to legal authorities. Hackers have access to bank account numbers, SSN, passwords, etc.
This manufacturer says they need to retain all information in order to improve device response accuracy. Their competitor can manage without storing data.
Zero security or privacy with some of these devices!!
I was having a discussion with my Patent Attorney son about these devices recently and he said one MAJOR brand in particular has zero security or privacy. All commands and information spoken to the device is stored for an extended/indefinite period of time on the manufacturer's servers. This one manufacturer has already received numerous subpoenas for disclosure to legal authorities. Hackers have access to bank account numbers, SSN, passwords, etc.
This manufacturer says they need to retain all information in order to improve device response accuracy. Their competitor can manage without storing data.
It would be great to know the specific brand. We have the Echo, not Google.
It would be great to know the specific brand. We have the Echo, not Google.
Doesn't it really depend on the search engine being used? Regardless of the device, if google is used then it's recorded and stored. Also, your internet provider does the same thing, store everything you do and type in.
How about a tell Alexa to self-destruct command???
That's followed by a lifetime of great sleep.
edit: ha ha...just kidding. I think.
Great idea. I can't believe how many people are unpaid shills for Amazon Use your free cell phone reminders and bypass the purchase of yet another Amazon gadget that old people have to learn.
Great idea. I can't believe how many people are unpaid shills for Amazon Use your free cell phone reminders and bypass the purchase of yet another Amazon gadget that old people have to learn.
Yeah, my device was a Christmas gift 2 years ago. I wouldn't go out and buy one for myself. It's a toy and doesn't do really anything my smart phone won't do for me. It's just a little more convenient to sit there and give it commands instead of picking up the phone or a remote control, or maybe I'm missing something.
Does it cook? Clean the bathroom? Shampoo the carpets? Wash the dishes? Do the laundry? Groom the dog? Replace human or pet companionship? Encourage independence? Protect privacy? Encourage socialization ? Give a rat's ass whether you live or die? Take up precious time? Promote laziness? Create further isolation in households? The lemmings march willingly to the seaside cliff.
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Use your free cell phone reminders and bypass the purchase of yet another Amazon gadget that old people have to learn.
