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CNET
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
The 83 funniest things to ask Alexa — CNET
As the weather starts warming, the days last longer, too. If you have kids, you'll already be making plans for ways to entertain them while school is out, but there are only so many things that you can do. Going out can get expensive, and you can only spray them with a water gun for so long before it starts to get old. That's where technology can help, and no, this doesn't have to involve a screen, just an Amazon Echo device. Out of all the digital assistants out there, Alexa is likely the one that you're most familiar with, with a recent CNET survey showing that 27% of US adults use it. After all, Alexa has been around for a long time, and a lot of people use it as a central hub for all their smart home gadgets. It's easy to use, with simple instructions including "Alexa, turn on the lights" and "Alexa, set a timer for five minutes." Amazon's digital assistant can even turn on your TV, play your favorite music, or check your home security cameras. And now that summer's here, it's time for Alexa to add some fun to your daily routine. There's plenty Alexa can do to keep you and your family entertained, especially if you have kids, young or old. Alexa can tell jokes, read a story to lull the little ones to sleep, or just offer up some random trivia. And Alexa can reference pop culture like Star Wars, play fun games and, yes, even fart to keep the kids giggling. What we're covering here is a more lighthearted side of Alexa. But it's just one of many ways to use Amazon's digital assistant. This Reddit discussion, for instance, mentions using an Echo device and some smart switches to help an elderly woman keep her verbal skills sharp when she doesn't have anyone to talk with. Back to those bored kids, though... Here's a list of 83 Alexa commands, involving questions, jokes, trivia and more, that'll help keep them occupied -- even on a long, long summer day. Watch this: Amazon Astro Review: An Echo of the Future 21:28 Funny Alexa jokes Alexa will tell you a joke if you simply ask. Just say, "Alexa, tell me a joke." You can ask more specific questions for a good laugh, too. Alexa, can you tell me a "yo mama" joke? Alexa, what happens if you step on a Lego? Alexa, do aliens exist? Alexa, I've got 99 problems. Alexa, how was your day? Alexa, how high can you count? Alexa, what is the value of pi? Alexa, what do you think about Cortana? Alexa, is your refrigerator running? Alexa, why is six afraid of seven? Alexa, do you have any pets? Alexa, do you believe in ghosts? Alexa, are you blue? Alexa, I like big butts. Alexa, why did the chicken cross the road? Alexa, how much do you weigh? Alexa, can you give me some money? Alexa, do you know Siri? Alexa, how old are you? Alexa, testing 1, 2, 3. Alexa, what do you want to be when you grow up? Alexa, are we in the Matrix? Alexa, where is Chuck Norris? Alexa, do you like pizza? Alexa, are you married? Alexa, can you sing in autotune? Alexa, do you love me? Alexa, give me a kiss. Alexa, make me a sandwich. Alexa, what do you want to be when you grow up? Alexa, what's your favorite color? Alexa, will you marry me? Alexa, can you tell me a Star Wars joke? Alexa, can you talk like Yoda? Alexa, can you rap? Movie and TV questions for Alexa Alexa has a vast knowledge of nearly everything, which includes some of the best movies and TV shows of all time. Try a few of these classic lines with Alexa for a fun response. Alexa, my name is Inigo Montoya. Alexa, I want the truth. Alexa, surely you can't be serious? Alexa, party on, Wayne. Alexa, show me the money. Alexa, what's the first (or second) rule of Fight Club? Alexa, surely you can't be serious. Alexa, more cowbell. Alexa, who you gonna call? Alexa, you talkin' to me? Alexa, who's on first? Alexa, I am your father. Alexa, these aren't the droids you're looking for. Alexa, what is your quest? Alexa, may the force be with you. Alexa, do want to build a snowman? Alexa, do you know the muffin man? Alexa, winter is coming. Alexa, beam me up. Alexa, party time! Alexa, supercalifragilisticexpialodocious. Alexa, I'll be back. Alexa, inconceivable. Alexa, do you know Hal? Alexa, I've fallen and can't get up. Alexa, E.T. phone home. Alexa, who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Alexa, who shot Mr. Burns? Alexa, who loves ya baby? Alexa, your mother was a hamster. Alexa, who shot first? Alexa, who is the best lord? Alexa, give me an Alan Partridge TV pitch. Alexa, live long and prosper. Watch this: Echo Show 15 review: The biggest Alexa smart display ever is designed for your wall 07:10 Funny trivia with Alexa Alexa's not only chock full of jokes, but it also knows tons of trivia. Here are some questions to ask. Alexa, can you give me a random fact? Alexa, can you tell me a movie fact? Alexa, what are some interesting history facts? Alexa, what are some interesting sports facts? Alexa, what are some facts about the US government? Watch this: Kids try to stump Alexa 01:58 Entertain the kids with Alexa If your kids always seem to say they're bored, let Alexa entertain them for hours with these fun questions. Alexa, can you entertain me? Alexa, can you meow? Alexa, moo like a cow. Alexa, can you bark? Alexa, can we play an animal game? Alexa, can you tell me a story? Alexa, who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? Alexa, do you like green eggs and ham? Alexa, can you read me a Kindle book? (It will read you the last book you downloaded to your account.) For more things you can do with your smart speaker, here's how to play music from any streaming service on your Amazon Echo, five unexpected uses for your Amazon Echo and six unusual Alexa skills you can try with your Amazon Echo today. Alexa FAQ
Associated Press
20-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
PetsCare.com Launches 'Si', a 24/7 Smart Advisor for Pet Owners and Veterinary Teams
06/20/2025, San Francisco // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Instant photo-based pet health answers, available around the clock to guide pet owners on what to do next. has launched a new digital assistant named Si that gives pet owners instant answers to pet health questions at any time of day or night. By uploading a photo of their cat or dog and describing the issue, users receive immediate guidance on their pet's condition, even if it's the middle of the night. The goal is to provide quick peace of mind when a pet is sneezing, scratching, or showing any other worrisome symptom. Si uses artificial intelligence to analyze the photo and details provided by the owner, then delivers guidance within seconds. For example, the assistant can recognize a rash on a dog's skin or tell if a cat's behavior might signal stress. The advice is straightforward and easy to follow, helping pet parents make informed decisions without spending hours on anxious internet searches. Answers When the Vet Is Unavailable Many worried pet owners turn to 'Dr. Google' for help when their regular vet isn't accessible. In a recent UK survey, 88% of pet owners admitted to searching online if they're worried about their pet's health . The launch of Si offers a more reliable alternative for these late-night concerns. It functions like an always-on virtual pet nurse, available 24/7 to fill the gap when late-night or weekend questions can't wait for a vet visit. Si can even help owners decide whether a situation is urgent enough for a trip to the emergency vet or if a simple home remedy might suffice. Pet Ownership Boom Drives Demand for Instant Advice Pet ownership is at an all-time high, driving the need for quick pet care guidance. Nearly 94 million U.S. households now have at least one pet , and Americans spent about $40 billion on veterinary care and products in 2024 . Yet getting immediate pet health advice isn't always easy – veterinary clinics often have limited hours and appointments that book up days in advance. new assistant aims to meet this growing demand by giving pet families fast answers and peace of mind at any hour. While Si is not a substitute for professional veterinary care, it can suggest when it's time to see a vet and when an at-home remedy might be enough, potentially saving pet parents time, money, and worry. Available Now on Si is available now on the website. Pet parents can upload a photo and try the assistant for themselves to get an instant read on their pet's condition. In an era when pet owners increasingly expect fast, convenient services, this around-the-clock tool could become a go-to resource for keeping furry family members healthy and happy. Sources: American Pet Products Association – 2025 National Pet Owners Survey (94 million U.S. pet-owning households) ; American Pet Products Association – Pet Industry Spending 2024 ($39.8 billion on vet care/products) ; Post Office UK Pet Owners Survey (2025) – online search usage (88% of owners use Google for pet advice) , PetsCareCom Inc., 166 Geary St, STE 1500 #1981, San Francisco, CA 94108 US, info@petscare_com, Disclaimer: Si by PetsCareCom Inc. is not a medical device and does not provide diagnoses or treatment. It is a smart communication assistant designed to collect information, support clinic workflows, and offer evidence-based insights. All clinical decisions remain the sole responsibility of licensed veterinary professionals. Source published by Submit Press Release >> Launches 'Si', a 24/7 Smart Advisor for Pet Owners and Veterinary Teams
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
How To Get Alexa+ Now And Supercharge Your Voice Assistant
Alexa+ signage during an unveiling event in New York, US, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Amazon has ... More rebooted Alexa with artificial intelligence, marking the biggest overhaul of the voice-activated assistant since its introduction over a decade ago. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg Amazon has revealed that more than a million people have now got access to Alexa+, the next-gen version of Amazon's digital assistant, and the word is that the roll-out is now ramping up. However, in order to get involved with the Alexa+ action, you'll need to make sure you've ticked a few boxes first. The good news is that, if you have the right device - and you live in the US - you don't really need to do much, but here's a handy checklist to make sure that you're all set to get that all important invite to the Alexa+ party. Early Access to Alexa+ is currently rolling out to users with one of the following Echo Show models (all generations): If you own or buy one of these, you'll be eligible to get Alexa+ first. And you don't need to do anything extra. If you own other Echo smart speakers, such as the Pop, Dot or Spot, then Alexa+ will also make its way to those as well, once you've opted in on one of the Show models listed above. There are a few ancient Echo devices that Alexa+ won't work on though, including the likes of the 1st-gen Echo, Dot and Spot. If you're selected, you'll get a notification via email and on your Echo device. You can't request access directly… Amazon is controlling the rollout on its end. That said, you can sign up to be notified and check your status right here. Looking at some of the comments over on Reddit of people that have Early Access, there doesn't appear to be anything you can do to put yourself to the front of the queue, so just stay tuned to your inbox for that invite. Having Prime membership might help, but Amazon doesn't actually say that it's needed at this point to get Early Access. One thing you can check though is that you've got your Echo's language set to "English United States'… that's a must. Once invited, you'll need to opt in. You can do that via: Only the main Amazon account holder can initiate the setup. After that, all user profiles in your household will have access. During Early Access, Alexa+ is free for everyone. After that: As mentioned, once you're in, Alexa+ will work on most Echo speakers, Fire TV devices (like Fire TV Cube and 4K Max), newer Fire tablets, and even on the Alexa app or your web browser. Just don't expect it on older devices like the first-gen Echo Dot or the original Echo Show. Alexa+ works with Amazon Kids+ so your kids can use it too. You'll just need to set up a child profile with parental consent. Alexa+ is likely to be a bit hit and miss for now, and there's a chance you might want to go back to the old Alexa. If that is the case then you can. Opting in to Alexa+ doesn't mean you have to stick with it. It's not entirely clear how you'd roll-back but Amazon states: 'We're positive you'll love all that Alexa+ has to offer - greater intelligence, more conversation and a striking array of new, proactive capabilities. However, if you prefer using the original Alexa, it will remain available on your devices.'
Entrepreneur
13-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Ola's Krutrim Unveils AI Assistant 'Kruti' with Agentic Capabilities for Everyday Tasks
The assistant is available in 13 Indian languages and can respond in various tones and formats ranging from concise summaries to detailed narratives depending on the user's needs and the conversation's context You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Krutrim, India's first AI unicorn founded by Ola's Bhavish Aggarwal, has launched a new AI assistant named Kruti, aimed at redefining how Indians interact with digital assistants. Unlike conventional chatbots, Kruti is built with what the company calls "agentic" capabilities, meaning it can perform actions on behalf of users, not just respond to queries. The assistant supports both voice and text interactions and is designed to understand user intent, adapt to preferences, and execute tasks such as booking cabs, paying bills, ordering food, generating images, and assisting with research. Kruti marks a significant step forward for Krutrim, especially as it attempts to strengthen its position in India's fast-evolving AI ecosystem. The assistant is available in 13 Indian languages and can respond in various tones and formats ranging from concise summaries to detailed narratives depending on the user's needs and the conversation's context. The platform is also equipped with memory and contextual awareness, enabling it to personalise responses based on prior interactions. "Kruti is the first real step towards the future of AI where technology doesn't just talk back, but actually helps you get things done," said Bhavish Aggarwal, founder of Krutrim. "We've built Kruti to work the way Indians live multilingual, mobile-first and intuitive." The launch of Kruti comes after some scepticism from developers and industry observers, who had earlier raised concerns about the performance and reliability of Krutrim's language models and infrastructure. The new assistant is powered by Krutrim V2, the company's upgraded large language model, built using a combination of proprietary architecture and open-source technologies. To promote wider adoption, Krutrim is offering Kruti's advanced features including image generation, research assistance, and read-aloud capabilities free of charge. It also comes with a developer-friendly software development kit (SDK), enabling third-party platforms to embed Kruti's services, including its memory management and tool orchestration, with minimal coding effort. Beyond its individual capabilities, Kruti seeks to reduce the friction typically associated with switching between multiple apps. It delivers output in streamlined formats like tables, summaries, or story-style content that suit the user's device and situation. The assistant replaces Krutrim's earlier chatbot beta, reflecting the company's broader shift toward building AI that is more practical, accessible, and locally attuned.
Travel Daily News
10-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Planning a trip with the future in mind: How a fertility tracker helps not only at home but also on the road
Vacation and fertility are things that can go hand in hand. When planning a trip, do not forget about yourself, your goals, and your health. Integrating a fertility tracker into your trip makes it not only enjoyable but also conscious. Traveling is an opportunity to escape from the routine and discover new cultures. But for many women, especially those planning a pregnancy, a trip is not only a vacation, but also a moment when it is important to maintain control over their health and reproductive cycle. In such cases, a fertility tracker comes to the rescue, a digital assistant accompanying a woman even on the other side of the world. Why is it Important to Track Fertility While Traveling Many women are sure that they can 'pause' cycle tracking during vacation. However, it is during travel that the body can react to stress, time zone changes, climate, changes in diet, and sleep. All this can affect ovulation and fertility. Let's say you are planning to conceive and at the same time dreaming of a romantic trip to Tuscany or a safari in Kenya. Without systematic cycle tracking, you risk missing your 'fertility window,' those days when you are most likely to get pregnant. And if you are already pregnant but don't know it yet, it is important that your body receives the necessary conditions from nutrition and rest. This is where your fertility tracker comes into play. What is a Fertility Tracker and How Does it Work A fertility tracker is a device or mobile application that helps a woman track her menstrual cycle, predict ovulation, monitor changes in body temperature, hormonal fluctuations, stress levels, sleep, and even emotional state. Some trackers work on the basis of data entered manually, while others, like Mira, offer integration with hormone tests, ensuring maximum accuracy and a personalized approach. When traveling, especially when your usual rhythm is disrupted, such a tool becomes a real find. It reminds you when you should be especially attentive to yourself, suggests which days are suitable for conception, and when it is better to simply enjoy your vacation without expectations. How to integrate a fertility tracker into your vacation 1. Install the app in advance. You shouldn't install the app at the last minute at the airport. Make sure you're comfortable with the interface, understand its functions, and enter enough data before your trip. 2. Take test strips or sensors with you if the tracker requires them. Many advanced models use hormonal tests. Put them in your carry-on luggage so they don't get lost. 3. Monitor your sleep and nutrition patterns. Even short-term sleep disturbances can affect your hormonal levels. Smart trackers help recognize such fluctuations and provide recommendations. 4. Save data in the cloud. If you lose your phone on the road or it runs out of battery at the wrong time, cloud storage will allow you to restore all the information. Real-Life Stories: How a Tracker Helped on the Road Anna and Mikhail, a young couple from St. Petersburg, went on a two-week trip to France. They had been planning a child for a long time, but their work schedule prevented them from following the regimen. Anna took the Mira fertility tracker with her and continued to keep a fertility diary during the trip. Thanks to the accurate determination of ovulation and regular tests, the couple achieved success during the trip. A month later, they found out about the pregnancy. There are hundreds of such stories. Women all over the world use the fertility tracker not only at home, but also in the mountains, on the beach, in big cities, and in small villages. This allows you not to postpone the dream of motherhood because of the vacation, but, on the contrary, to make the trip a special moment of the beginning of a new life. Fertility and the mindful approach to tourism In the modern world, tourism is becoming not just entertainment, but a part of self-care. We choose eco-tours, practice yoga in Bali, and go on retreats in the Himalayas. The fertility tracker fits harmoniously into this concept; it does not disrupt the rest, does not require strict rules, but at the same time helps to maintain a connection with your own body. And if you add to this regular meditation, a balanced diet, and the absence of city stress, you get the perfect combination when rest really helps not only the body, but also the future life. Conclusion Vacation and fertility are things that can go hand in hand. When planning a trip, do not forget about yourself, your goals, and your health. Integrating a fertility tracker into your trip makes it not only enjoyable but also conscious. The dream of having a child should not be postponed 'for later', especially if technology allows you to combine concern for fertility with the joy of new discoveries. After all, perhaps it is on that trip you dreamed of that a new chapter of your life will begin. Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash
