Has anyone else here got an Alexa and, if so, how do they find it?

I’ve been setting mine up to work with the Homeseer home automation system and Honeywell Evohome heating system.

I found it quite a struggle and it took me over a day to arrive at a situation I’m reasonably happy with. The problems I had were finding it hard to get some words recognised, some words that I’m not sure that Alexa like (at least I don’t think it was my accent causing trouble with left and right) and ones that came down to naming clashes. The renaming I needed to do didn’t take long but seeing what I needed to do did.

I enjoyed the last bit though. For some reason, Alexa offers a more advanced version (as can be seen here) of the Homeseer/Alexa bridge than the one that is also offered to the UK and Canada as well (and I don’t know what happens to people in other countries – it appears they are left out entirely) but some clever people have worked out a way to achieve the same.

I followed the instructions here and I can now ask for the temperature in the greenhouse or even ask it what speed the “windmill” outside I made is rotating at.

I’m unsure how much/what for/where/by whom the device will be used. I’ve wondered whether my parents, especially mum, might like one in the living room and I’d find it more convenient that the remote I use to switch things in my room (sockets aren’t very accessible) but I must admit curiosity was a big motivation in me getting one.