The Internet-connected hardware device provides support for Amazon's virtual assistant platform. That platform, called Alexa, works like Apple's Siri, Google Now or Microsoft's Cortana. You talk to Alexa using Echo's microphone. Alexa talks back through Echo's speakers. Alexa does things for you. It answers your questions.

http://www.computerworld.co...e-of-every-home.html
И ни слова о секретах! К слову, Microsoft, похоже, не умеет придумывать нормальные названия своим продуктам.