5 stars: Drop In is handy when you need to talk to the home...no need to wait for someone to pick up. Announcements even better when you just want to broadcast a message to all your echo devices. Routines are great for setting timed schedules for lights and heaters. One touch smart home controls are great when you don't want to speak to Alexa at night.
4 stars: I love my Alexa for shopping lists, reminders, and appointments and most of the apps are okay. It links with the Google calendar but it really should have a full calendar of its own. You can only view the current month appointments and even then it's not in a monthly view format but in a vertical list. Since my wife doesn't use Google calendar we can't see our overlapping appointments for the following weeks.
3 stars: UI doesn't give precedent to frequently used items. I have to tap a few times just to turn off an alarm so I don't have to talk and wake someone up, for example. Put the emphasis on what people actually use the most, not on on what you hope they are using the most (skills for example - most people use Echos as a glorified kitchen timer, not a life guru).
4 stars: It has come a long way ... more than just a toy, considerably useful as well as amusing. A skeptic at first it is now my app of choice for combing my smart hope applications.. lighting (inside and out), thermostat, security cameras. One device at a time, I have expanded my voice control over my at home environment, saving me $ and pro...