Most people know by now that the Amazon Echo is one of the best IoT smart home devices, however, not everyone knows exactly how to get the most out of it. The gadget’s smart assistant, Alexa, can perform a whole host of useful and cool functions, so much so that you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!
Before we dive into the coolest things that the Amazon Echo can do, keep in mind that it’s entirely possible to create Alexa skills by yourself, which isn’t as complicated as it might sound. This means that you can customize your Amazon Echo to what you really need it for. If you still want to know more about how Alexa can help you, then read on. Few of the Amazon Echo tips & tricks also includes the Alexa Commands which you can use to get helpful information from the device.
Top 9 Amazon Echo Tips and Tricks
1. Get the Lowdown on New Amazon Deals
If you ask, “Alexa, what are your deals?”, then you can be one of the first to hear great bargains on expensive items, particularly around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Many of these deals, however, are only for Amazon Prime members.
2. Listen To Calming Noises
If there are many annoying neighbors around you when you’re trying to sleep, then there’s a solution with Alexa. Thunderstorm Sounds is a cool app that can play you the sounds of rain, an ocean, a fireplace, an airplane, and of course, thunderstorms. White noise machines are incredibly popular these days, so it’s great to have one already there for you with Alexa.
3. Wake Up To Music or Talk Radio
If you like a bit of noise to wake you up in the morning, then you can tell Alexa which radio station to play, and at what time. Saying something like, “Alexa, wake me up at 8 am with jazz music” will do the trick. Waking up to an annoying beeping sound is not fun!
4. Be Charitable
If you feel like helping others and not just buying something random from Amazon, there is now a way to donate to charity via Alexa. By simply saying, “Alexa, make a donation“, then you’ll be asked which charity you’d like to give to and how much. You’ll require an Amazon Pay account to use this option.
5. Control an Xbox
For the gamers out there, Alexa can assist with turning the device on and off, launching games and apps, and even capturing screenshots and game clips. This can be done all via voice commands as normal.
6. Recipe Ideas
Although it is possible to order pizza with Alexa through the Domino’s app, you can do better! If you’re stuck for dinner inspiration, there are apps like Easy Meal Ideas or Campbell’s Kitchen which can give you tons of great recipes. To get recipe ideas just ask “Alexa, how do you make [recipe]?” and Alexa will give you the detailed recipe with all the ingredients and steps.
7. Personal Trainer
the 7-Minute Workout app can actually give you exercise instructions to help lose weight or simply increase physical stamina. It’s also possible to improve mental health with new therapy apps coming soon .
8. Settle Board Game Disputes
If you have a family that always squabbles over the correct way to play Monopoly or Scrabble, then Alexa can read out the rules for specific parts of the games. You can even ask Alexa to give you some trivia questions if you feel like a quick quiz.
9. Weather Update
Many people use the Amazon Echo to read out news, update their schedule, control the lighting and thermostat, play music, or simply to find the solution to a question, but getting a rapid weather report just before you leave the house is invaluable. Should you take that umbrella with you? Ask Alexa, just to be sure!
If you think we missed some of the Amazon Echo tips & tricks that are beneficial, please tell us in the comment box.
