For some reason I forgot to post this back in October, so here it is as bonus content.
I travelled down to Christchurch last weekend with my three offspring for a family function.
As we let ourselves into our Airbnb, I could hear gentle music playing in the background. It turns out the place was set up with an Alexa system throughout the house. There was a list of instructions on how to use it on a bench in the kitchen, and what verbal commands were needed to get it to play music and adjust the lights in the various rooms. I was immediately intimidated and never used it once.
Our house in Wellington is set up with the rival Siri system, just for music, and that’s bad enough. Siri wilfully ignores any instructions I try to give her, responding only to my husband. In fact when he’s not around, she will often reply with distinctly snarky comments in her feminine Australian accent.
During the Airbnb online booking process, there had been several comments about the importance of noise control, as there was a family with young children living next door. No guests, no parties, and no getting in the spa pool after 9 pm. We got back quite early from the 21st on Saturday night, as we had fled before the intimidating crowds of gorgeously presented youths shortly after the speeches were finished. Surely a quick spa before going to bed wouldn’t do any harm? Accordingly, we got our togs on and climbed in. Ten minutes later, a loud robotic voice came out from a hidden speaker. “Guests are reminded not to exceed noise control levels after a certain time of night. Noise levels are monitored for your comfort and safety. Any violations may result in a fine.” Big Brother indeed. One of my daughters hot footed it back inside in terror, the rest of us huddled quietly in the dark, talking in whispers until it was time to go to bed. It was quite disturbing.