“Alexa I want to learn something” enables the curiosity skill. This can lead you on a path that follows your interests. Even though Alexa continues to use her robotic voice, the skill matches the interface. There is no break from “her” and it feels like Alexa can engage conversationally. After the initial fact, she prompted me with the options Would you like to “hi, are you curious about rocketry, or evolution?
She even responded to neither, I thought it was going to be limited to yes or no as prompts. Even though this is a default advertised skill, it has the polish that many skills wish to have.
4 out of 5 brains
Find my Phone seems like the most useful Amazon Alexa skill, not that I would lose my phone regularly, no, but setting it up prior and having the knowledge that I can now throw my phone between the cushions and not even have to get up or ask anyone to dial my phone to receive a call thrills a slothful demon inside me. 4 out of 5 couch potatoes
Good Night: If you’re going to be alone in an apartment, it can get very lonely, but if you have an echo with the good night skill enabled, you’ll have an eloquent poet quote Shakespeare and end your night on a high just before you drift to sleep. Here’s a sample of a response to “Good night.”
“All I wish
a sheet of clouds for your bed
And bright crystals for the stars
while you sleep
may the angels bring sweet songs
that bring you bright dreams
good night.”
While she gets the timing off, the sentiment is sweet.
4 out of 5 sonnets
“Sleep sounds, beautiful dream” This app won’t be stopped between queries, so a gentle piano tune will play throughout your conversations with Alexa when she isn’t talking or listening.
I don’t like that it takes a hard “Alexa, stop.” to actually stop the sounds. But I do like the ambiance it adds to a space like a chiropractic office. This would be perfect if small sounds wake you up, as a constant sound is preferred if you want to sleep.
3.5 out of 5 stars for a limited soundtrack.