Amazon Alexa (Amazon Echo)
Claimed by Allison Arnold
Amazon's Alexa Voice System, commonly known as Alexa, works with compatible devices, such as the Amazon Echo. On command, Alexa responds to voice commands and can perform a number of tasks, from playing music or relaying the news, to controlling smart home devices. Alexa is considered to be a "virtual assistant," similar to Siri, Google Now, or Cortana[1]
Functions
Alexa responds to a voice command via the speakers in an Alexa-compatible device, such as the Amazon Echo. The command is sent to the cloud, where Amazon's servers decipher the command and determine a response. [1]
Ethical Implications
Many concerns have been raised about Alexa and other voice response systems, many with ethical implications regarding privacy and security.
Privacy
Alexa is always listening and upon command, this information is sent to Amazon's cloud servers, essentially to respond to the command but also to learn more about the user[2] While Alexa is always listening, it's only sending the content that is said after it's signaled.
Security
Alexa has the ability to communicate with third-party services in order to carry out commands, which may cause concern for some. [2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Crist, Ry (8 April 2016) "Amazon Alexa: Device Compatibility, How-Tos and Much More" CNET, Retrieved on 19 February 2017
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Clauser, Grant (10 February 2017) "What is Alexa? What is the Amazon Echo, And Should You Get One?" "The Wirecutter", Retrieved 19 February 2017
