Tag Archives: amazon

What are some hidden Alexa features you can do with Amazon Echo devices?

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Despite being widely popular, Amazon Echo devices and Alexa have several hidden features that many users may not be aware of. Here are some of the most interesting and lesser-known features of Alexa:

  1. Voice training: Alexa can learn your voice and recognize it better over time, which can improve accuracy and responsiveness. To access this feature, go to the Alexa app and select Settings > Device Settings > [Your Echo Device] > Voice Training.
  2. Drop-in: With this feature, you can easily connect with other Echo devices in your home, or even those of friends and family. Simply say “Alexa, drop in on [device name]” to start a conversation.
  3. Alexa Guard: You can set up Alexa Guard to listen for specific sounds, such as smoke alarms or broken glass, and send you a notification if it detects anything unusual. This feature can be used to help keep your home safer.
  4. Alexa routines: You can create custom routines that trigger multiple actions with a single voice command. For example, you could say “Alexa, goodnight” to turn off the lights, lock the doors, and play soft music to help you fall asleep.
  5. Announcements: You can use Alexa to make announcements across all of your Echo devices, such as telling everyone in the house that dinner is ready. Simply say “Alexa, announce [message].”
  6. Follow-up mode: Alexa will continue to listen for five seconds after responding to a request, allowing you to ask additional questions or give follow-up commands without having to repeat the wake word.
  7. Alexa Blueprints: This feature allows you to create custom Alexa skills and responses, so you can personalize your Echo device to fit your specific needs and preferences.

These are just a few examples of the hidden features of Amazon Echo devices and Alexa. By exploring the capabilities of your device and experimenting with different commands, you may discover even more useful and interesting features.

Things you can do with your Amazon Echo devices in 2023

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Amazon Echo devices started the revolution to making your home “smart”. It gave you a new way to access the Internet during a time when everyone was using their phones. Using Alexa through Echo devices allowed you to be free of your hands and interact with lists, messages, calls, reminders, music playlists, shopping lists and much more.

What are some things you can do with Echo devices in 2023 that you may not know about? Here are some.

Amazon Echo devices, powered by the virtual assistant Alexa, offer a wide range of features and capabilities that can make your life easier and more convenient. Here are some cool things you can do with your Amazon Echo devices:

  1. Voice control: You can use your voice to control smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and security systems, making it easy to manage your home environment.
  2. Music streaming: You can use Alexa to play music from popular streaming services like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music, and even ask for songs, playlists, and radio stations.
  3. Hands-free calling and messaging: You can use Alexa to make hands-free calls and send messages to other Echo devices or the Alexa app, allowing you to stay in touch with friends and family.
  4. News and information: Alexa can provide you with the latest news, weather, sports scores, and other information, all with just a voice command.
  5. Home automation: With Alexa, you can create routines and schedules for your smart home devices, so you can automate tasks like turning off lights and locking doors at a set time each day.
  6. Skill integration: Alexa has thousands of skills, or third-party apps, that can be added to your device to enhance its functionality. From ordering a pizza to booking a ride, Alexa can help you perform a variety of tasks.
  7. Entertainment: You can use Alexa to play games, like trivia and Jeopardy, or to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content.

These are just a few examples of the many things you can do with your Amazon Echo device. As the Alexa platform continues to evolve and expand, you can expect even more capabilities and features in the future.

Is Alexa getting worse?

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“Alexa, what time is it?”

“Alexa, add sugar to the shopping list.”

“Alexa read my calendar.”

These commands use to be a staple at our household. Our family jumped on the Amazon Echo craze buying multiple Echo’s and Echo dots that covered nearly every room. The Alexa app graced our phones where we shared shopping lists. We frequently used announcements to get someone’s attention as it would generate across the home.

However, and noticeably, summoning Alexa became more laborious. We could ask the same question only to yield the wrong answer. We would frequently get the annoying, “By the way..” suggestions to be met by our entire family yelling for it to “STOP!” So what happened? Is Alexa getting worse?

It’s subjective to say whether Alexa is getting worse or not, as opinions can vary greatly depending on personal experiences and individual preferences. However, some reasons why some people might feel that Alexa has become less effective or useful include:

  1. Increased competition: With the growing popularity of smart speakers, there are now many competitors in the market offering similar features and capabilities as Alexa. This increased competition could be leading to a perceived decrease in Alexa’s effectiveness as users compare it to other devices.
  2. User errors: Alexa relies on voice commands, which can sometimes be misinterpreted, leading to incorrect responses or actions. This can result in frustration for users who expect Alexa to perform accurately.
  3. Technical issues: Like any technology, Alexa can experience technical glitches that affect its performance. For example, connectivity issues with the internet or other devices can lead to slower responses or incorrect responses.
  4. Privacy concerns: With the increasing use of smart speakers, there have been growing concerns about privacy and data security. Some users may feel that Alexa is not as secure as they would like, which could negatively impact their overall experience.

It’s important to note that while some users may feel that Alexa is getting worse, many others continue to have a positive experience with the device. Amazon is actively working to improve Alexa and add new features and capabilities, so it’s possible that the perception of Alexa will change over time.

Could it be that Amazon has finally realized that it’s line of Echo devices will not help them make more money? Maybe the divested in its infrastructure and as a result, the responses are not subpar.

What do you think?

Top Ten Gifts for someone that likes to cook

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(Disclosure, I will receive a small referral fee when you make a purchase through links on this post.)

1. William-Sonoma Classic Striped Towels

Sherry bought me these last Christmas and they are my favorites. Great absorption, not overly bulky and look pretty on the counter. $28

2. Mauviel stock pot

This made in France pot has superior heat conductivity thanks to its 5 ply stainless steel construction $175 for 2.7 Quart

3. Staub Cast Iron Round Tea Kettle

Just as all the Staub cast iron cookware we love, this made-in-France tea kettle is safe in oven and it works on all stovetops. It helps to keep water hot for a long time. $145

4. Presto Waffle maker

Nothing beats fresh made waffle to accompany your latte in the morning! Reliable and budget-friendly waffle maker with ceremic cooktop. Perfect for those Sunday morning breakfast. $35

5. Shun Classic Asian Chef’s Knife

One of my favorites right now is Shun (I realize I’m not blazing any trails with this – they’re already popular) and this 7-in Chef’s knife is as versatile a knife as you’ll find. Agile, precise and sharp sharp sharp. $145

6. iGrill – Bluetooth meat thermometer

A household favorite and a must-have for the grill master. I can monitor my roast from anywhere in the house, so that I don’t accidentally turn it into charcoal during Sunday afternoon book time. $99.99

7. Digital food scale

Following a recipe by weight, as opposed to quantity (grams vs. cups, for example) is the best way to ensure you’ll end up with great results (measuring flour in a cup will always yield a slightly different result every time). Nowhere is this more true than in baking, and I love using this scale for my bread. $19.99

8. Salt Cellar

A good looking salt cellar for the serious cook that likes to season the food to their liking. The attached lid means it will never go missing $35

9. Copper measuring cups and spoons

These copper measuring cups and spoons are stylish and durable at the same time. Using them for cooking just makes everything taste better. $25

10. Kitchen Aid immersion hand blender

Can’t believe I didn’t buy this a long time ago. It is such a life saver for making soups, smoothies and baby food. $42

Amazon Announces new Echo Show

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Amazon announced its new Alexa product – Echo Show. It is priced at $229.99 and is available in black or white. The echo show is basically an amazon echo equipped with a touch screen and a camera. You can pre-order now and will be available June 28.

It’s functionality is very interesting and makes sense. On the surface, it looks no different than previous attempts made by other manufacturers for video conference. However, echo show is based on Amazon’s Alexa operating system which has been immensely popular for Amazon users especially with Amazon Prime.

On it’s youtube intro video, it featured a family with twin infants. The parents were managing their day by using echo show integrated in their life. They used the echo show as baby monitors to see their baby, they used the video conference feature to connect to each other and to their parents. When playing Prime music, you can see the album jacket and the lyrics when available. It seems this is the logical step for Echo devices and most importantly, the timing is right.

The intro video also had a grandfather painting the walls to the bedroom of a child. They searched youtube to watch tutorials on how to sponge paint. Once completed with their artwork, they did a video conference to showcase what they did.

Features that we know:

-Integration to video chat
-Picture frame to photos from Amazon photos
-Alarm clock
-Watch short video clips from youtube and news
-Front facing camera is 5pm
-Stream music
-Setup Google Calendar
-Integrate with Alexa compatible smart home devices (thermostat, light, locks, etc)

Unknown:

-Stream longer videos such movies from Amazon Prime or Youtube (honestly, not sure you want to do that on a 7″ screen)
-Battery backup
-Callout to 911 emergency services

Promo:

For a limited time, you can buy two and save $100. use promo code SHOW2PACK

Sizzling Deal, Echo Dot for $29.99!

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This is the best deal for an Amazon Echo dot or Echo. Amazon sent out an email for black friday where you can get $10 gift card when you order from Alexa’s Best Deals. Order anything on the list over $20 through Alexa and get $10 gift card. The 2nd Gen Echo dot is currently on sale for $39.99. With the $10 Amazon credit if you order through Alexa, the price comes down to $29.99! Compare that with original price of $49.99, it is 40% off!

To see the full list of qualifying Alexa’s Best Deals, click here or the below link.

alexa-10-off

alexa-echo-dot

You can also purchase the Amazon Echo for a low $139.99. With the gift card, it will bring down the price to $129.99 which is almost 30% off. But you will need an Alexa enabled device to purchase it. You should be able to make the purchase through your Alexa enabled Fire TV controller. Give it a shot!

alexa-echo-deal

Compare Fire TV Stick with Chromecast

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chromecast-backdrop-chrome-os-android-ios-appWith the Fire TV Stick, Amazon went head on against Google’s successful Chroemcast. It took a whole year for Amazon to launch the Fire TV Stick. Amazon already had the Amazon Fire TV but the price point and the lack of mobility did not attract the casual TV viewer as $99 was steep for your average consumer. Chromecast pretty much did everyone people expected it to do such as streaming from apps such as Youtube, Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, and screen mirroring. However, there was one thing Chromecast could not do which was stream Amazon Prime videos directly. Amazon wanted to keep Prime videos to themselves and their devices. That didn’t stop people with Chromecast to find their own methods to cast and stream Amazon Prime to their TV’s.

 Chromecast Advantages:

Screen mirroring to all Android devices.
Much more support with apps particularly on Android Play store.
Functions with Google Drive
Additional features such as Guest mode and Google Cast Audio.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Advantages:

Includes remote control.
Support for Amazon Prime.
Custom GUI and app store. Some may feel this is a disadvantage.
Fire TV App which will give you voice search
More memory and storage
Faster processor
More games
Stream pictures and videos from Amazon Cloud Drive. UNLIMITED photo storage and 5GB for other files.

Sling TV Free Fire TV or Roku

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Sling TV is offering a free Fire TV Stick or Roku Streaming stick in return for 3 months of prepaid subscription. They are also offering 50% off for either Fire TV or Roku 3. This is a great deal considering a lot of people pay $60 for one month of their cable bill. Now, for $60 you get a streaming device which you can use for your Sling TV service and you get a Fire TV Stick or Roku streaming stick. If you are on the fence, this may be the deal which may push you over. However, this may also be a concern for some people as this may be an indicator that the service is not catching on and they are in need of a market injection to ramp up subscribers.

sling tv free fire tv