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Amazon Echo and its voice assistant Alexa are a game-changer in smart home capability. More than just another Bluetooth speaker, Echo integrates with a variety of home automation hubs and smart devices to make your life easier. Try some of these cool tricks with your Amazon Echo:
1. Set Up a Smart Home in an Apartment
Even renters have access to smart home capability with Amazon Echo. Integrating with home automation hubs (at Connected Home, we love those from Alarm.com), use voice commands to automate smart devices and operate lights, heat, and video, among other things. You can even set up scenes to automate several devices at once.
Add your devices to the Alexa app and tell the Echo what you want. For instance, say, “Alexa, turn the kitchen lights on,” or, “Alexa, turn the temperature down to 68.”
2. Turn on the Music with Amazon Echo
The Echo coordinates with Amazon’s Cloud to request music from Amazon Prime or your own collection. But you can also request songs from Spotify or set up your own playlists. Amazon’s library is big enough that it’s worth it to request a particular song or even a broad playlist such as Christmas music. For example, ask:
Alexa, play Christmas music.
Alexa, play “Hello” from Spotify.
Alexa, play playlist Dinner Party (a playlist you have created in Amazon Cloud Player).
3. Alexa Can Read You a Book
The Echo seamlessly integrates with Amazon’s Audible so you can listen to an audiobook anytime. Just say, “Alexa, play audiobook The Girl on the Train,” and your book will begin. To start right where you left off, say, “Alexa, resume my book.” You can page forward or back by asking, too.
Some Kindle books are available through voice synthesis. This might sound odd in a novel but can be great for non-fiction, like cookbooks and learning.
You can even ask Alex to read you Wikipedia articles, so you never have to wonder about anything, even if your hands are full.
4. Find Out the Weather Without Looking Outdoors
When you’re getting ready for work in the morning, time is of the essence. Amazon Echo and Alexa are ready to answer important morning questions, such as, “Alexa, what time is it? Alexa, what’s the weather?” You can check on your commute or the morning news, too.
5. Amazon Echo Can Help in the Kitchen
Echo is almost like a second pair of hands in the kitchen. Just ask Alexa to set timers, divide measurements, or read your favorite cookbook to you.
Connected Home installs and supports home automation including Amazon Echo. We’re locally owned and operated so we can help you choose the best technology for your needs and provide great service afterward.
Call Connected Home today at (910) 317-0876 or visit our Leland showroom to see firsthand how Amazon Echo and Alexa can make your life easier and more fun!