15 Alexa Assignments You Want

We are stuck in the era of smart speakers. Maybe you trust Siri or the assistant built into your phone, but you probably also have a full-fledged AI assistant in your home.

Alexa, built into the Amazon Echo, is everywhere. If you have an echo, chances are Alexa has pushed you against the wall once or twice with the follow-up questions. Tap or click here for 5 quick fixes to Amazon Echo annoyances.

Do not ignore the security as you go through the settings. Tap or click for essential privacy settings that you need to check now, including who can turn on Echo’s camera and see what you’re doing.

If you square it, it’s inspiration for new, fun, useful and smart ways to use your smart speaker.

1. Use Alexa to make calls

Stop holding your phone when calling and use your Echo as a speaker. Put Alexa to work. You can reach most mobile and landline numbers here in the United States

Open the Alexa app and tap Communicate, Then the Contacts , followed by the Manage contacts icon.
Type Add contact and enter a name and number. Repeat this for any other contacts you want to add.
You can also choose Enter contacts to make it easier.
Do you have a number but no contact information? Just talk the number and Alexa will call.

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2. Tell Alexa to watch out for burglars

Alexa Guard is like a pair of ears that you can leave at home. Your Echo device will listen to sounds and alert you where necessary.

Open the Alexa app and tap on the More bottom right, then Institutions.
Type Wait> Set up sound detection.
Turn on the smart alerts you want to activate and tap Confirm.

When you leave the house, say, “Alexa, I’m going.” When you return home, say, “Alexa, I’m home.”

3. Use Alexa as an intercom in your home

Do you remember the old intercom systems in larger houses? Consider this assignment as the modern version.

Just say, “Alexa, get on all devices.” Wait for the tone and then speak. You can also target only one device by saying, “Alexa, come in [device name]. “

4. Watch your favorite show or movie

With an Echo Show of Spot and an Amazon Prime Video account, you can watch and stream directly to your smart speaker. If you do not have a Prime Video account, try this link for 30 days for free. You can also stream Netflix, Hulu, NBC and other services.

Try assignments such as: “Show me my video library,” “Show me (title),” or “Show me movies with (actor).”

5. Let Alexa share a photo of you

If you have an Echo device with a screen, such as the Show, you can take a photo and send it to another Echo user.

Open the Alexa app and tap Communicate, Then the Share camera icon.
Type Camera and take your selfie.
Select a contact or device and tap Share.

6. Tell Alexa to lock the doors, including the garage door

Secure your doors in just a few words. You need a smart lock to do this. Tap or click here for our list of best smart locks. If you are looking for a smart garage door opener, the Chamberlain MYQ is an affordable, reliable option.

The instructions for setting up your lock and garage door will differ, but you will probably say, “Alexa, lock the (front door).” You need to do a little more work to set up voice commands for the garage. See the steps here.

7. Let Alexa set your audiobook on fire

You may be used to listening to audiobooks on your phone with headphones, but Alexa can also play your book.

Open the Alexa app and tap Play button.
Tap next to Audible Library See All. Choose your book and then choose on which speaker you want to play.
Or, say “Alexa, read [title of book] of audible. ‘

Not an audible member? You can try out Audible Plus for 30 days for free.

8. Tell Alexa that you need white noise to sleep

Man snoring? Or maybe you can not stop hearing every crack and groan of your house.

Search for “white noise” or “sleep sounds” in the Alexa app and set the ones you like, or say “Alexa, play sleep sounds” to get some options.

Try to go more specifically, like “Alexa, play sleep sounds rain.” Soothing!

9. Let Alexa give you news from sources you trust

You can ask Alexa to play the news, but what if you want a specific source? You can configure it.

Open the Alexa app and tap More icon, then Institutions.
Scroll down to select News, tik dan Edit along My news channel.
Add the channels you want.

If you want to hear the news, say: “Alexa, play the news from [news source]. “

10. Lost your phone? Ask Alexa to find it

If you do not find your phone, you usually ask someone else in your home to call you, right? What if you are alone and do not have access to another phone? Alexa can help.

Open the Alexa app and tap More icon, then Skills and games.
Search for Find my phone and select from the list of skills.
Type Start to set up the skill.

11. Change Alexa’s voice or accent

Mix it when the default voice has aged.

Open the Alexa app and tap More icon, then Institutions.
Type Device settings and select your Echo device.
Type Language and select from the list of languages and options, then tap OK.

12. Play over 5,000 games with Alexa

Think of a game you grew up with. There’s a good chance it’s an Alexa skill. Simply say, ‘Alexa, open up [name of the game]. “

There are tic tac toe, bingo, rock drawing scissors, blackjack, 20 questions, memory matching, escape from the room, true or false, Jeopardy !, Heads Up !, Deal or No Deal, categories, dice and so much more.

Make sure you double check that the skill costs money before activating it.

13. Start your day with a custom Alexa routine

Routines save you time by putting together a bunch of actions. You can set up custom routines with Alexa to start your day or relax after work.

Open the Alexa app and tap More icon.
Type Routines> Create routine and add a name and commands with actions
You can also go to Routines> Suggested to get ideas and inspirations.

Need help? We guide you step-by-step through the process here.

14. Let Alexa make you smile with a joke

Alexa’s repertoire ranges from skinny to creepy. Use your imagination or start with some of these:

Alexa, can you tell me a ‘yo mama’ joke?
Alexa, what happens when you step on a Lego?
Alexa, why did the chicken cross the road?
Alexa, tell me a joke.

15. Let Alexa remember important events

If you do not want to take out your phone, Alexa can remember specific dates and events for you.

Say “Alexa, remember …” followed by everything you want her to keep up with. For example, “Alexa, remember I had a doctor’s appointment at 9:00 on Wednesday” or “Alexa, remember I put the check in my bedside table.”

DO YOU NEED A HAND WITH A SLOW PC, SMARTPHONE ISSUES OR A PROGRAM PROBLEM THAT YOU CANNOT CRACK? Post your technical questions for concrete answers of me and other technological advantages. Visit my V&A Forum and get technical help now.

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Learn more about all the latest technology in The Kim Komando Show, the country’s largest radio weekend show. Kim takes calls and gives advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website Komando.com.

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