Bagged yourself a brand-new Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Show? Your life is going to get a whole lot easier then. Amazon’s smart hubs are perfect for sorting out everyday tasks. Whether that’s creating reminders and to-do lists - or getting the latest news and listening to your favourite tunes. It can do a whole lot. All you need to do is ask.
We’ve got some handy tips and tricks to help you get the most from Alexa. Plus, there’s a full breakdown on what each kind of Echo can do for you. Let’s get your smart home started.
Download the app
To get yourself set up, you’ll need the Alexa app on your smartphone. With the app, you can change your Echo’s settings and link Alexa-enabled smart tech together. Just go to your phone’s app store to download it.
Fire her up
Now it’s time to get going. Once you’ve plugged your Echo in, open the app. Click ‘More’ and choose ‘Add device’. Select the device you want to add and then follow the instructions.
Say the word
To give Alexa commands, you need to wake her up. To do that, just say ‘Alexa’ and then ask whatever you like.
Want to use something other than Alexa as your wake word? No worries. There’s plenty of other options. Open the app, go to Alexa’s settings, and choose ‘Wake word’. Instead of Alexa, you could use ‘Echo’, ‘Speaker’ or even ‘Computer’ for some sci-fi style.
Or just ask her to do it. Say ‘Alexa, can I change your wake word?’ – and she’ll help you pick one that works for you.
Try it out
Alexa can do a lot for you. She’s your very own personal assistant who’ll help with your daily routine. Keep track of your schedule, make a shopping list, or check the traffic before going to work. But there’s also some fun stuff too. She can tell you a joke, or you could ask for a bit of trivia. She’s funny and smart.
Did you know, you can even order things from Amazon using just your voice? It’s a really useful way of doing a bit of online shopping.
Plus, if you want to keep the noise down, Alexa’s got your back. Whisper a command to her and she’ll whisper it back. Perfect if your other half is sleeping in the other room.
Here’s a few basic commands to get started with:
Alexa, turn down the volume
Alexa, let’s chat
Alexa, set an egg timer for 6 minutes
Alexa, what do I need to do today?
Alexa, do I need an umbrella today?
Alexa, call mum
Alexa, add milk to my shopping list
Alexa, what’s in the news?
Alexa, what’s traffic like?
Great skills
One of the best things about Alexa is that you can link her to other helpful services. Think Spotify, your calendar and radio stations. Your Alexa comes alive when you add these extra services, making her even more helpful. These services are usually called ‘Skills’ and you can get them through your Alexa app.
A bit like an app store, you’ll be able to see all the different Skills that are available – along with their ratings and reviews. So it’s easy to find exactly what you need. And see what’s actually worth getting.
You could add an adventure story game to keep the kids entertained. Or maybe you love cooking? There are Skills that’ll store your favourite recipes in Alexa, which she can then read to you. You can also add Skills that’ll let you buy stuff directly through Alexa.
Echo, Echo, Echo
Get the most out of your new Amazon Echo with some of its best unique features. Just find yours below to see exactly what it can do:
Still need some more of your Alexa-based questions answered? Head over to ShopLive. Our tech experts can explain Amazon’s smart devices inside and out. And you won’t even need to leave the sofa.
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