10 Struggles of Being Named Alexa, Thanks to Amazon
Updated: Dec. 17, 2021It's a confusing world out there for humans with the name Alexa.
You Immediately Go Into Denial
I now understand how people named Siri, an even more unique name than mine, must have felt when Apple rolled out its voice-controlled personal assistant. The first time I heard my name was being used as a smart speaker back in 2014, via the Amazon Echo, I assumed it would flop. It was just a copy cat of Siri that wouldn’t be taken seriously, right?
I was so wrong. The Echo took off, and Alexa proved a promising way to control your music with your voice and little else. I stayed in denial for quite some time before realizing that the demise of my unique name had come to fruition and there was nothing I could do about it but prepare for more attention.
Haven’t jumped on the Amazon Alexa train just yet? Start small with the Echo Dot.
If you’re a fan of Amazon’s Alexa, then you are going to love these smart bathroom products from Kohler.
You’re Convinced the Universe is Giving You Payback for Wishing Your Name was Common
As a child of the ’90s, collecting memorabilia with my name on it was the norm. But, scouring gift shops on vacation for a key chain with my name on it was hardly ever successful. Finding a necklace, a mug, magnet or Coke bottle was also impossible, so I just gave up looking. Now I’m convinced the universe is paying me back for wishing my name had been more common.
Add the magic of Alexa to your home entertainment. The Fire TV Cube is the first hands-free streaming media player with Alexa.
People Finally Start Pronouncing Your Name Correctly
Alexa is NOT a hard name to say. Nonetheless, people have been getting it wrong my whole life. I get called Alex, Alexis, Alexia, Alexandra and even Erica. This might be the only upside to sharing a name with a wildly successful voice assistant.
Check out the compact Echo Spot. It’s designed to fit anywhere in your home while allowing you to watch the news, see music lyrics, weather forecasts, to-do and shopping lists, browse and listen to Audible audiobooks and more. Did you know Alexa is capable of these 11 weird things?
People Speak to You in a Robot Voice
I enjoy finding a good song for people to listen to, sharing my favorite recipes, and filling people in on current events. What I don’t like is being asked by someone with a smirk on their face, and using a monotone voice to say, “Alexa, what’s the temperature today?” The worst part is, my inability to smile back makes ME look like the dummy, but I’m really just unamused!
I can’t believe how many things you can use Alexa voice commands with, like this microwave!
You Hear “Have You Heard of Amazon Alexa?” Far Too Often
It’s been around for years now, yet people STILL ask me all the time if I know there’s a new Siri on the block that shares my name. And, if they’re not asking me if I know of it, they’re asking me how I feel about it.
The first few times I was asked, it was no biggie. “Valid question!” I’d say. But by the one-thousandth time someone asked me about it, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. It seriously gets to the point now where when someone asks me, I actually judge them for asking me such an unoriginal question.
Did you know you can ask “Alexa, how do I look?” With the Echo Look, Alexa will give you smart, specific and fun styling advice.
You’ve Resorted to Bad Jokes
Trying to play along with people poking fun at me is no longer an option. I’ve now decided that every time someone asks me, “Alexa, what’s the weather” in a robotic voice, I answer with “Low battery. Shutting down.”
There are SO many cool things that work with Alexa, including the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Check out these 36 home tech items to add to your wish list.
People Start Referring to You as “Human Alexa”
Not that long ago, I would have never imagined I would need an adjective before my name to differentiate me from the A.I. Alexa. But, life has changed dramatically, and now when friends are asking Alexa a question, others have to chime in and inquire, “Are you asking Human Alexa or Amazon Alexa?” Unfortunately, I myself have to ask the question, too!
Stream hi-fi music to your stereo system with the Echo Link. Group with other supported Echo devices, and then ask Alexa to play music everywhere!
You Find Yourself Changing Other People’s “Wake Words”
Once I found out Amazon had other wake words to use with their devices, including the simple “Echo,” “Amazon” or “Computer” names, I was all happy to let others know how they could stop using my name as their virtual assistant in their home. You can change the wake word in the Settings section of the Alexa app, but you can also simply say, “Hey Alexa, change the wake word,” which is exactly what I do when I walk into people’s home’s and spot an Amazon device. Can you blame me?
I love asking “Echo” to turn on and off the lights in my home, so I never have to bother going around to each individual light switch. The Philips Hue Starter Kit is compatible with Amazon Alexa.
Everyone Asks You If You Own Alexa Devices
The truth is, I used to be really anti Alexa. But, as someone who loves tech, it’s kind of impossible to not get onboard. Sure, I don’t have to use Alexa as a wake word, but I still have to download the Alexa app on my phone to take advantage of controlling my smart lights and more.
My favorite device right now is the Amazon Echo Show.
You Find Yourself Referencing Amazon so People Get Your Name Right
I can’t even believe it’s come to this, but when I’m asked to repeat my name during a business call, by the barista at my coffee shop or when first meeting someone in person, I often say, “Alexa, like Amazon Alexa.” I’m so ashamed.
I also have my eyes set on the all-new Fire 7 Tablet.
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