Very cool. That skipping on by concept could lead to great things, like world peace.

I have Google devise that is similar. I ask it to play music and often ask to to the next song.

Yes that's cool too. I just didn't realize it was also available for news. I doubt for commercials though, which makes sense, that pays the bills. Those usually don't bother me either, I can usually tune them out. Depends on how many. A lot do disgust me. I wonder if I started a thread on products or commercials I disliked, if that would be squashed. The scientist in me wants to try but that's veering into Sheldon Cooper/Amy Farrah Fowler territory

Will it work on the eternal fund-rising campaigns on NPR?

I know they need to raise money but I donate a decent amount because I value them. I just wish there was an option that if you donate you could listen to something other than their begging.

I think that's possible because each NPR news or culture story is posted as a separate segment/file, like music tracks. If you ever visit their website, you'll see that's the case.

Carol - that would be a great incentive to get an Alexa. Each segment of their fund drive is scheduled with a specific time limit. I could just say Alexa skip! genius!

Ha - I think my favorite fund raising pitch on NPR is the one from Ira Glass, where he says he knows you're a diehard public radio listener because 'you're still listening right now' 😄

Now if only people would just scroll on by posts they dislike too ;)

I need to try this. I know Alexa does a lot more than I am using her for, but I don't bother to find out exactly what.

I'm intrigued by Alexa and these other assistant devices but... For those who have one do you ever feel like your thoughts are not your own anymore? I haven't been able to make that leap and most of the time I don't think I need to but occasionally I wonder if I'm missing something worthwhile.

@DLM2000-GW We’ve had an echo device (Alexa) for years. We can mute it so it does not listen when we are discussing top secret subjects.

We have never had advertising targeted towards us because it heard us discussing a product, although some people say thay have. Or maybe they have been targeted because they googled the same product?

Ours is on the counter between our kitchen and family room. It mostly hears whatever is on television.