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10 tips and tricks so you can start mastering Alexa and your Amazon Echo

2019-12-30T17:44:13.719Z


Alexa can do many things and the list grows almost daily. In addition to the features that Amazon includes, such as the mode of interaction in a low voice, there is a huge community of continuous programmers ...


Echo speakers

Alexa can do many things and the list grows almost daily. In addition to the features that Amazon includes, such as the low-voice mode of interaction, there is a huge community of programmers continually designing new skills or "skills." That's right, in fact, as these applications are called, which allow you to do all kinds of things with these speakers.

Better yet, they work with any Echo device, including the simplest and most economical speakers. But once you enter the world of Alexa, it can be difficult to discover the best or most useful, so we will help you in this guide with the best tricks for your Echo device.

Reminders and alarms

If you are someone who always forgets everything, you can use Alexa to remind you of important things or set alarms. All you have to say is "Alexa" and then what you want me to remember and when. The same for alarms. To edit or create them manually you can also use the Alexa app on the phone. Open it, access the main menu (the three white bars at the top) and click on Reminders and Alarms. You can ask to repeat certain days or assign different sounds.

Sports notifications

In addition to being able to ask Alexa anything about sports competitions, it can also help you follow your favorite team in particular. From the menu in the app select "Settings" and then "Sports Notices". Once inside, select your favorite teams. The next time you ask Alexa how the ranking is going, it will give you the results of your favorites.

Amazon orders with Alexa

This one is so simple that you don't even have to think about it. With Alexa, you can order items on Amazon just by using your voice. Are you running out of toilet paper? Just ask Alexa to add it to the shopping cart and then, when you're ready, tell her to ask what's in the cart. Be careful and make sure before giving the final order so that there is nothing you don't really want in the cart.

Read audiobooks with Alexa

The best way to get Alexa to read us a Kindle book is to simply ask. You can even jump to different pages or chapters. Alternatively, the Alexa application can also be used. Just go to the menu, click on music, then video and books, and select Audible. You just have to choose the book you want.

Uber or Lyft

One of Alexa's many skills is the ability to call an Uber or Lyft. Just open the Amazon application, go to Skills and Games and look for the ability of Uber or Lyft using the search field. Click to install it and from that moment you can ask for a ride simply using Alexa, and even specify what type of car you need or find out the price before ordering it. Make sure your device has your address set up. To do this, go to the menu, press Settings and specify your address. You can add more locations too, such as a work address.

Travels

One skill that is really going to surprise you from Alexa is the ability to check waiting times at airport security. Yes, the application appropriately known as "Airport Security Wait Times" tracks more than 450 US airports. Find the airport code and your terminal and then say “Alexa, ask Security Line what is the waiting time at my airport and terminal.”

Drop-In and calls

The Alexa application has some communication options that can be useful. Inside the application, press the contact tab at the bottom, which looks like a chat bubble. First, you have the option to call or send messages to someone in your contacts. If you don't see anyone on the list, you can add a contact or import them from the device running the application. You can also use the Drop-In feature to create a link between the Amazon device and a friend and talk whenever you want without having to call. Last but not least, you can send a message to all Alexa-enabled devices, at home, even when you're away.

Silent or low volume mode

If you don't want to listen to Alexa out loud, you can activate the whisper mode. The best way is to just ask, saying something like: "Alexa, activate silent mode." Alternatively, it can be activated from the Alexa application. Go to the menu, click on Settings and then select Voice Answers. This option will be under the preferences of the Alexa toolbar.

Smart devices

There is a lot of technology capable of making your home smarter, and Alexa can interact with almost everything. Just open your Alexa application, click on the menu icon, and select Add Device. You will get a considerable list of device types and then you can select the brand. You can connect smart bulbs, cameras, sockets, speakers, microwaves, slow cookers ... the list is endless. A particularly useful device is the Amazon Echo Flex, which connects to any electrical outlet so you can interact with Alexa in that room. Depending on the brand of your device, there may be additional controls in the Alexa application.

Routines

Alexa can create routines that execute several commands from a single order. To access these functions go to the Alexa application, select the menu and choose Routines. You can rename some existing ones or specify the phrases that will activate them as "Alexa, good morning". The available actions cover all types of scenarios, from receiving traffic information to the latest news. And of course, you can add smart device control functions as explained in the previous point.

We will keep this list updated with new features but don't be afraid to explore more on your own.

Note: The prices above reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.

Source: cnnespanol

All news articles on 2019-12-30

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