I have had an Echo for about a year and love it...I use her to play whatever music I am in the mood for, check the weather forecast, ask trivia questions, do a meditation minute when I feel one is necessary, set alarms to remind me to get up and do something, the list goes on. In theory, she could turn on the tv and the lights, but we haven't installed the smart outlets yet.  (Santa brought those along with an Echo for my husband).  

I read an article yesterday where Amazon has been asked for the transcripts from an Echo in relation to a murder trial;  it is believed that while Alexa only responds when you call her name, that she could be recording every conversation you have in front of her, which is then sent to the cloud.  

All I can say is, I haven't plotted any murders in front of her, so hopefully I'm safe. 

I received one for Cmas - so far I've asked Alexa to put items on my shopping list, tell me the weather, set reminders, and play music.  

Fred Griffin my wife got ALEXA - and now asking to subscribe to spotify premium account!

Going through that initial hiccups - lets see how it works.

Bunch of people here got it for Xmas. I'm sure they will be able to tell you. I think it will be like Hal soon. He'll start telling you what to do & what not to eat everyday.

I don't use them.  Not sure I want someone listening in to all of my conversations.

I do not...

I don't have one, but my brother does and loves it.

If you do buy one, I'd love if you use my amazon affiliate link (just go to any blog post of mine and it's in the footer).  It won't cost you any extra, but if you buy within 24 hrs of clicking it, I get a small commission.

There is so much hype about this lately. I do not see myself needing this tech tool. 

They sound like great gadgets that might actually be useful and effective. There is a security concern, as with most things these days. Look forward to comments from users.

Fred Griffin Sounds like Siri or Cortana in a tube. I would be concerned about privacy issues.

I gave a number of Amazon Echo Dot's (a smaller version of Alexa) which only runs about $39-$49.00

They seem to be enjoying it... I have no idea what the benefits are.

Darn, I was looking to see the answers. Yesterday I learned a lot about Apple watches.  I will check back!

No

We do not

I have not, i have seen them in use and wondered the same. Not sure if it is for me

I have not used these products.

 I would like to see them become a little more evolved before I invest in such a object ..

I haven't used one. I suppose they have a purpose but I don't want a live microphone in my house.

I personally haven't tried this yet, but I'm intrigued by it. I had to read the other answers to see what people were saying. Susan Haughton should get a kickback for her comment. She now has me even more interested. 

I like it but still unsure of Amazon, Google, or Apple in making a choice.

These devices are great conveniences, but it can hear you and access the internet.  I doubt people are really thinking about them being hacked and folks being able to spy on people.  

Would never use one.

Much of this can be accomplished for free with "Okay Google".

I do not. I use Siri and agree with Ron and Alexandra Seigel comment.

No we have not used it

No.

Remember what happened to Hal ? Y

Fred,

We can do that with Siri.  I am not crazy about the fact that the conversations are recorded as Susan Haughton stated.  Neither one of us is planning any nefarious activities, however some conversations may be misconstrued and taken out of context. A

I do not and really don't think I have the need for these devices... BTW recently read an article that indicates these devices are ALWAYS listening and recording.. the recording was used against someone in court

I've never used it.  I'm still trying to get used to Siri!

Between TVs and phones that montior everything you say, what's one more device?

I do not use it.  

I don't have one..... I'm sure I'll be the last to get one....

No, but one of my brothers just posted on fb that he thinks Alexa is excellent. Here is his fb post in his own words.

"Alexa (by Amazon) is awesome. So far just music, news flashes, alarms, calendars, and Uber - but it's entertaining so far."

I do not and we will not be using it either -

Talking to my husband "Hey hon, I want a new couch"

My husband - "Let's wait for presidents day sales"

2 days later doorbell rings - "Delivery... Couch from Amazon"!

Not gonna happen LOL

I have not bought one YET

I don't have one. Still learning how to build my relationship with Siri. I know I am usually a zillion year behind everyone else.

Got one for Christmas, but still trying to master my Apple Watch.  Alexa is next.

Not a fan as of yet!

TMI and invasion of privacy particularly if law enforcement can subpoena these devices for evidence.

I have not used it.

I don't... I'm just not into gadgets and toys. If someone gave me one of these as a gift, it would probably end up in a closet gathering dust.

YOU ARE NOT RECORDED UNLESS YOU ACTIVATE HER!!  Seriously, the news media has everyone petrified that Alexa is recording everything and she is NOT!  (In fact, I believe this is a conspiracy created by the competitor!  LOL)  It is JUST like Siri or FaceTime - if the light is on, she is activated and recording.  If the light is off, the system is not recording! 

I've had mine nearly 2 years now and LOVE it!  I use it for music, questions, weather and my grocery list (goes to the app on my phone so I don't have to write anything down)!  You'll love it, Fred Griffin!