3 ms·
Ask HN: What do you call your computer friend?
If you use your computer friend's name in conversation, they will respond as if you were talking to them. E.g. "I think Alexa needs an upgrade" will provoke Alexa to answer something like "I don't understand"
I need a way to avoid this awkwardness. Perhaps another name to use for reference in the third person? "Digital friend"? "A-wad"? "Our digital overlord"?
- PaulHoule 4y ago"That whose name must not be spoken". I've got three or four of the small Alexa devices but I'm not allowed to set them up in the house because of paranoia.
- raxxorraxor 4y agoThose paranoid people in your house seem to be great people. Sure you don't want to share their greatness?
- selfhoster11 4y agoIt's not paranoia if these devices are, in fact, listening. That's their whole purpose. I've grown comfortable with Google Home only because I intend to eventually replace it with a homegrown solution.
- beardyw 4y agoIt's not paranoia because the threat is real. Being afraid to use the toaster is paranoia. Unless it is internet connected ...
- mindcrime 4y agoMy wife asked me why I was carrying a gun in the kitchen I said, "Decepticons" I laughed My wife laughed The toaster laughed I shot the toaster
- zach_garwood 4y agoWe call ours "Googs."
- eimrine 4y agoSpyware is a great name for all kinds of listening devices.
- devonnull 4y agoDigital Brother? All-Seeing Eye? All-Hearing Ear? Stasi-Kumpel?