what is alexa self destruct

“Alexa, code zero, zero, zero, destruct, zero” initiates Alexa self-destruct mode, where Alexa counts down from ten to zero and then plays an explosive audio clip. Don’t worry, Alexa will not explode and the self-destruct mode is merely a jovial nod to Star Trek fans as the activation code was originally used by Captain Kirk on the Federation Starship ; Enterprise.

Alexa has gone through several physical upgrades over the years and is nowadays the most advanced smart-home device on the market. For many, Alexa is a handy smart-home gadget for checking the time or weather when their hands are full, and for others, Alexa is a deep dive into everything the tech world holds dear. 

Let’s take a look at our good friend (or foe) Alexa and discover what is Alexa self destruct mode?

Who or What is Alexa?

Alexa is the beloved voice-activated smart-home device that quickly took the world by storm soon after being released by Amazon in 2014. Alexa uses virtual assistant technology that was designed by Amazon to respond to voice-activated commands, to varying degrees of success. 

Generally speaking, Alexa is there to make our lives easier. Alexa will help us check off our to-do lists, remind us of appointments, play our favorite music playlists, and allow us to impress our friends with her crafty and well-researched responses to our queries. 

Alexa for most people sits quietly on a sideboard or bookshelf and loyally awaits commands such as “what’s the time?”, “will it rain today?”, and answering more obscure queries such as “do all birds have talons?” These are all just some of the daily tasks for good ol’ Alexa. 

Alexa is a treasure trove full of all the information the internet has to offer. But that’s perhaps where things start to get weird. 

Alexa Unlocked with Alexa Skills Mode

For those who are more inclined to get under the hood and tinker, Alexa can be programmed too. So much so that Amazon has released Alexa Skills, a platform where third-party developers offer kits that provide added functionality.

Alexa Skills opens up a whole new world of functionality for Alexa connectivity. There is an almost endless list of new Alexa Skills being uploaded, and they’re often available for free (or with a subscription service). Alexa can control smart-home connected gadgets, tell jokes at dinner parties, and even set mood lighting when romance is in the air. 

What is Alexa Self Destruct Mode?

Alexa self-destruct mode is an Alexa Skill that is merely a gaffe that gives a nod to Star Trek, where fans will quickly recognize the similarities with the self-destruct activation code that was used by Captain Kirk for the Federation Starship Enterprise. 

Fortunately, Alexa never does actually explode in any way and at worst, you’ll receive some awkward side-eye from friends when it’s activated and Alexa begins venomously counting down from ten to zero before omitting an audio clip of a ship exploding. 

Users should be warned that at the time of writing there ​​is no abort command programmed into the destruct sequence, but the developer will “work on it” and promises to add it in the future if positive reviews are received. In the meantime, simply say “Alexa, code zero, zero, zero, destruct, zero” and enjoy the show.

Why Use Alexa Self-Destruct Mode?

Most Alexa Skills have varying degrees of use, and the bar is pretty low for developers to create new “Skills” for Alexa and have them published by Amazon. Alexa’s self-destruct mode is solely intended as a bit of fun and doesn’t have any other features, so it’s great fun to play a few times.  

Alexa Self-Destruct (For Real)

Of course, there are always those who want to go that little bit further and a quick search on the internet reveals many who have made their own self-destruct sequences that prelude the demise of their beloved Alexa devices, either by smashing, crushing, or simply blowing up the device for real. Yikes! 

The Weird World of Alexa Skills Commands 

If you’re looking for a more Alexa-friendly way to impress your friends, or simply a bit of throw-away fun to pass an afternoon, then here are a few Alexa Skills that are sure-fire crowd-pleasers:

  • Say “Alexa, open Chewbacca Chat” and you’ll have Alexa with a Chewie-tinged accent.
  • Say, “Alexa, open Chuck Norris Fan Facts” and you’ll have an afternoon filled with insightful and utterly hilarious fun facts from the man that can only be described as tough as nails. 
  • Say “Alexa, open Egg Facts” and Alexa will swamp you with enough egg knowledge for you to pass the time away. 
  • Say, “Alexa, open Celery Man” and you’ll be transported into the sketch comedy world of Inside Paul Rudd’s Computer (aka, Celery Man) which is an obscure gaffe remake of the opening scene of the film Clueless. Highly recommended! 

Alexa Alternative Modes

Alexa’s self-destruct mode is a funny gimmick that can quickly run out of gas. Thankfully, there are so many hidden jokes and pop culture references to explore with Alexa. Another notable mention is Super Alexa mode.

The Super Alexa mode activation code is, “Alexa, up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start.” For those who played computer games in the 90s, many will know this code straight away, as it references Nintendo’s cheat codes from many of its games titles. 

Once Super Alexa mode is activated, Alexa will confirm by saying “Super Alexa mode activated. Starting reactors … online. Enabling advanced systems … online. Raising dongers. Error. Dongers missing. Aborting.” 

Sadly, other than the dramatic monologue, Alexa doesn’t get any special powers, secret lives, 1-UPs, or new cheats, and Alexa settings remain unchanged. 

Summary

Alexa, our beloved friend, keeps us company when we are alone, tells us jokes to lighten the mood, or wishes us “good night” at the end of a long day. Alexa is there, sounding our alarms to get us to work on time, reminding us of birthdays and appointments, and playing our favorite music as we attempt recipes in the kitchen. 

For many, the thought of life without Alexa is unfathomable, and the mere consideration of harming the smartest and funniest tech-friend in the room is far too much to bear. Sadly (or luckily) for those looking for a quick and painless method to rid their lives of the conveniences offered by Alexa, Alexa’s self-destruct mode will be nothing more than a jovial gimmick. 

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