HN Explorer

Ask HN: What do you call your computer friend?

3 points by JoeAltmaier ↗ HN
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"?

8 comments

[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 27.4 ms ] thread
PaulHoule
"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
Those paranoid people in your house seem to be great people. Sure you don't want to share their greatness?
selfhoster11
It'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
It's not paranoia because the threat is real. Being afraid to use the toaster is paranoia.

Unless it is internet connected ...

mindcrime
My 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

eimrine
Spyware is a great name for all kinds of listening devices.
devonnull
Digital Brother? All-Seeing Eye? All-Hearing Ear? Stasi-Kumpel?