Voice-Activated Devices Like Alexa Are The ‘Next Big Thing’ Say Experts

You can't turn on TV without hearing, 'Alexa, order roses for Tina,' or whatever that guy says who obviously burned dinner in the oven. Apparently those commercials are working because tech experts say voice-activated technology is exploding.

Inside Radio reports that according to VoiceLabs, over 24 million people this year will buy either Google's Home or Amazon's Alexa. Those numbers were below 5 million last year.

What exactly is Amazon's Alexa, or Google's Home?  These, and other similar devices, are basically a voice-controlled hub of digital intelligence. They can be programmed to play music, providing real-time information, setting alarms, making to-do lists.  It can also be programmed to serve as a home-automation hub, turning lights off and on, opening garage doors, locking doors etc.

Skills can be added to the hub, and a highly programmed unit can almost seem to be 'human.'  Experts say because of the usefulness of the product, sales are expected to climb through the roof in 2017 and likely beyond.

Let's just hope they don't become like HAL the computer in 2001 Space Odyssey: "I'm sorry Dave, I can't do that..."   And then it tries to snuff you out.