'She has a name': Amazon's Alexa is a sleeper hit, with serious superfans

The always-on Amazon Echo is developing a personality among early adopters who say they aren't worried about privacy, and welcome a listening ear

When Steven Arkonovich brought home his Amazon Echo, he knew the little machine's basic functions: he could ask it to tell him the weather, add something to his shopping cart, or play NPR.

The Echo was always on, waiting, listening for his invocation. Say "Alexa" and it lit up blue, ready to answer questions - "Where is the nearest Chinese restaurant?" - or act on orders - 'Call me an Uber' - responding in a calm, confident female voice.