Shades of ‘2001’? Amazon shows off homes run by Alexa
Experience Centers provide peek into residences using voice-assistant technology
Fifty years ago, director Stanley Kubrick introduced the world to HAL, the intelligent computer in the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The astronauts in the movie could talk to HAL, who in turn would converse back with them and handle their commands for operating their space vehicle. (That was until HAL took over the spacecraft and decided to show the astronauts who was really in charge.)
So, on Wednesday, one couldn’t help but feel a little bit of HAL’s influence at hand when Amazon unveiled what it calls “Amazon Experience Centers”
— which is a way of describing a series of homes that homebuilder Lennar is building with Amazon’s Alexa technology included. Amazon and Lennar have set up a series of “flagship” homes near Atlanta; Dallas; Los Angeles; Miami; Orlando; Seattle; Washington D.C.; and, locally, at the Tovero development in Vallejo.
Want to have Alexa turn the lights on just right when you wake up? Just say, “Alexa, good morning!” Need to take a look at what’s going on outside? Tell Alexa to show you the front door, and the Amazon-enabled home video technology will bring up the outside view on your TV or mobile device. Feel like watching a movie? Say “Alexa, movie time,” and Alexa will dim the lights, turn on your TV and, maybe someday, make the popcorn for you.
“We wanted customers to experience a real home environment that showcases the convenience of the Alexa smart home experience, great entertainment available with Prime, and Home Services,” said Nish Lathia, general manager, Amazon Services, in a statement announcing the tech partnership with Lennar.
The homes are available to be outfitted with features such as TVs that are already connected to Amazon’s Fire TV system, as well as Amazon Dash buttons, which allow for easy re-ordering of many household goods.
Call it: “2018: An Amazon Alexa Home Odyssey.” Just stay on Alexa’s good side.
Want to have Alexa turn the lights on just right when you wake up? Just say, “Alexa, good morning!”