A:Answer Hello! No, you do not need to have Alexa. This device uses Roku's own voice service to recommend titles based on your verbal request. Know that the suggestions come from most any service on the Roku network. For example, a request for "Frozen" will list titles from Amazon, Vudu, etc.
Also, to date the voice control in this unit does not provide any "in app" voice support. That is to say, you can't use it in the "Xfinity App" to ask for a channel...you must page through the list of channels or use another shortcut in that app.