Assuming that Amazon’s Echo is a success, there are a number of variables to contend with. For example, content. It’s clear that the company is pushing for an end-to-end integration via said device; however, what happens if a request for such is not available? Will Echo allow any given end-user to access it by the device itself? Or, be forthright about the fact that is it not accessible?
Leaving that aside, what about Echo’s ‘relationship’ with children under 18? Obviously, this is not going to be without controversy regarding accessing content / information, etc. that is considered age-inappropriate (tabling the issue of protecting children and securing their safety which are also interrelated). This is potentially another variable that the company is going to have to take into consideration (putting it mildly) that’s too detailed to cover herein. Nevertheless, this area is potentially an Achilles heel for the device.
Granted, a first-generation device of this nature is / will not be without limitations. Yet, if humanity continues down the path of more fully integrating AI into our world there’s still a lot to be sorted out / unanticipated and/or unknown to take into consideration.