The Nice People Thread, No.16: A Universe of Niceness.

Nikkster

michaels wrote: »

Does anyone do all that smart home stuff?

I can understand the linking up heating to arrival at home thing (although it doesn't apply to us as people are home 24/7) but I just saw a smart desk lamp. Now to me you use a desk lamp when you are sitting at a desk so the lamp is within your reach so why use your phone or alexa to do something you can equally achieve by moving your hand a few inches? I am worried I am falling into the 'why would anyone want a tv remote trap' but this really seems like a solution in search of a problem....

To make the house look occupied when you're away?

Pyxis

vivatifosi wrote: »

Alexa is brilliant as enablement technology. I bought my first one for a disabled relative and it was such a success I have bought a second. The control it gives a bedridden person is amazing. You can get it to turn on your lights, turn the heating up or down, play your favourite songs, look facts up... The list is pretty extensive.

It isn't much discussed in terms of a disability aid, but it's a pretty phenomenal piece of kit for that use. It provides a form of independence.

Yes. I know someone who though quite mobile, is sight impaired, and so using Alexa to find information, etc. is easier for her than trying to use a computer to google. Plus it lets her be a bit more independent when her husband isn't around to help.

Nikkster wrote: »

To make the house look occupied when you're away?

That's true.
Although I use various timed lights and radio, it's still a problem with things like curtains. Would be good to time them to open and close.

GDB2222

Pyxis wrote: »

That's true.
Although I use various timed lights and radio, it's still a problem with things like curtains. Would be good to time them to open and close.

Can be done! You can control them through Alexa, too. Natch.

silvercar

A post has been put on the previous NP thread, looks to be spam. I'll lock it shortly, so final call for anyone wanting to delete stuff.

silvercar

Hive can control smart switches, if you havent got an Alexa.

Nikkster

PasturesNew wrote: »

Is it compulsory to now forever wear pink and continually enter short running races for charity?

So... might not be wearing pink (most likely waterproofs I think!). Nor am I running anywhere except maybe to catch a train. But I've signed up for a half marathon walk. Some friends suggested it so I thought I might as well join in. Turns out I know a lot of generous people. I'm a bit overehelmed But if it helps raise some money - and awareness - then it's all good.

PasturesNew

Nikkster wrote: »

....I've signed up ...

Ah ... they've got you now.

Don't forget to take make up there'll be a s0ddin' photo shoot at the end and you'd better look good as it'll be flashed at you everywhere you go "oooh, saw your photo in the paper *waves bad photo*"

Don't be a victim of poor makeup choices

vivatifosi

silvercar wrote: »

A post has been put on the previous NP thread, looks to be spam. I'll lock it shortly, so final call for anyone wanting to delete stuff.

Thanks for the warning silver, just did mine.

PasturesNew

GDB2222 wrote: »

Alexa can turn the kettle on, so it's boiling by the time he gets to the kitchen. He then pours the hot water and tops up the kettle with cold water, ready for next time.

I've just filled my kettle, boiled it, made a coffee.... it's that time between cold water and hot water that I tend to think "ah, better do some/all of this accumulated washing up then". If the kettle boiled as I walked into the kitchen the pile of washing up to be done would grow!

Pyxis

GDB2222 wrote: »

Can be done! You can control them through Alexa, too. Natch.

So what sort of motor would you need on the curtains? And how reliable would it be? I mean, you don't want the curtains to get stuck halfway closed. When you're away from home.
Or does Alexa conjure up a genie, curtains for the closing/opening of?

Just a thought; if I were to have an Alexa, she might take a fancy to Siri, and they would scarper off together into the night, leaving me quite alone.
With curtains stuck half open.
And the kettle full of cold water.

silvercar wrote: »

A post has been put on the previous NP thread, looks to be spam. I'll lock it shortly, so final call for anyone wanting to delete stuff.

Oh sorry. I saw that the other day, but forgot you were the thread thingy.