The Amazon Echo (Alexa) is a really diverse smart speaker. And it doesn’t matter which variation you have; they will all offer the same kinds of thing; there are loads of ways to get more from Alexa. The beauty of having voice commands is that the responses can be so varied, but Alexa does so much that you might not even realise just quite how much. I mean, we all know you can ask the weather, ask simple questions, and play music. But what else can it do?
Here are some of Alexa’s less obvious features:
Track your Amazon packages
Who needs annoying email updates when you can just ask Alexa? If you’ve ordered something from your device (yes, you can do that), then you can get an update by asking “Alexa, where’s my stuff?”
Control your Fire TV using Echo
You can already use Alexa through a Fire TV Remote, but if it isn’t to hand, then you can use Alexa without the remote, to control the TV. Providing your Echo is in reach of your voice and is connected to Wi-Fi, then go ahead and ask it to put on your favourite channel or show.
Set reminders
Who needs a pen and paper when you have Alexa? I have seen my hairdresser ask Alexa to set a timer for thirty minutes, or remind her when 45 minutes are up so that she can check the colour. When the time comes, Alexa will light up and give you a reminder.
Turn Alexa into a radio alarm clock
On a similar note, you can have Alexa wake you up to a specific song that you choose, or even a radian station. Just say “Alexa, wake me up to Bruno Mars’s song Uptown Funk at 7am”. Then get a more enjoyable wake-up call.
Listen to podcasts
If you like to listen to podcasts as well as music, then Alexa can help with that too. But this is two tips for you, because it is a good idea to ignore Alexa’s own podcasting abilities and opt for the skill AnyPod. Then you’ll have a much better experience because episodes will play in the best order and start where you left off. Just say “Alexa, enable AnyPod skill.”
Alexa Skills This Easter
If you have children, then you probably know how much fun an Alexa can be for them to play with and ask questions. From asking ‘Are we there yet?’ to song requests, they are likely to have asked them all. But did you know that there are also Easter egg hiding games, bunny impressions, tricky trivia contests and more that you can try with your Alexa? Alexa Skills can help you and your family make the most of your time together this Easter.
What’s more, if you use five or more Alexa Skills from 20th to 21st April, 2019, you’ll be eligible to win a £1,000 Amazon Gift Card. So why not get cracking and start the hunt for your next favourite Alexa Skill. Visit www.amazon.co.uk/easterskillshunt to find out more.
Have you got an Alexa at home? It would be great to hear what you think and what you like to use it for.
*this is a collaborative post
