The “NEW” Alexa is experiencing her first “Dreary” Day…
and since you may be experiencing a dreary day as well, I thought I’d share this photo entitled ‘You Make Me Smile’, taken in the gardens at Nédélec, Québec.
When we lived in Iroquois Falls, we were situated in a part of town where the radio reception was often very poor or nonexistent. Since we had satellite TV (lack of local news, etc.) and we liked the news and weather several times a day, we decided to allow Amazon’s ‘Alexa’ into our lives. Took us a while to adjust to having another ‘entity’ in the house - I’m sure she’d rather have been someone else’s assistant. We all survived, and she gradually became a ‘member’ of the family. The three of us moved to Elliot Lake.
Then, one morning, I think it was just around Christmas, we asked Alexa for the day’s forecast and, holy cow, on came a young female voice full of energy and enthusiasm. Our original Alexa often used the adjective DREARY. We’ve had some very dull grey days since the new Alexa arrived, but I guess today was just too much - dull, bleak, depressing, or lacking cheer and interest - so DREARY fit the bill.
At first, encountering a sprightly, youthful Alexa can feel a bit like encountering a ‘perky’ waitress first thing in the morning and knowing no one could be that happy. Fine-tuning your relationship with this ‘younger’ Alexa starts with getting used to its slightly different quirks. It tends to respond with an almost endearing earnestness.
And let’s talk about humour. The past version of Alexa that lived with us had to be one of the first versions out - she never cracked a smile. Ask our new Assistant a question, and you might be met with a witty comeback that makes your day.
But navigating this relationship isn't all lighthearted banter. Like any younger person, there can be times of rebellion when it doesn't listen to your commands but instead decides to pursue its own agenda. “Alexa, what is the weather in Pickle Lake?” She begins an elaborate explanation about Pickle Lake being a township in the Canadian province of Ontario, located 530 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, and it is the most northerly community in the province that has year-round access by road. It has a population of 425 and its main industries are transportation (by air and land) and tourism, and right now it’s 3 degrees C with rain. Who would have guessed that the latest version of Alexa also doubles as a tour guide? Could come in handy.
In the end, getting used to the younger version of Amazon's Alexa means embracing the change—playful banter and all. Put on your virtual helmet, fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for a fun journey filled with clever replies and unexpected ideas. Just remember: While Alexa may be a trendy option, you’re still the one in charge… until she chooses to vacuum the living room while the Wi-Fi is taking a well-deserved nap!
Welcome to the future!