These hacks will help you save time, have fun, and simply live better.
Create Custom Routines
gear-specific.
No way to skip actions.
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Routines tell Alexa to run multiple tasks at once based on a trigger.
Turn on a Night Light
Set amount of time, if desired.
Use on multiple devices at same time.
Cannot use simultaneously with music or other skills.
Unable to customize light color.
Say, “Alexa, open Night Light” and Alexa’s notification ring or bar will be illuminated.
Custom Flash Briefings
Extensive list of available clips.
Customize the order in which they play.
No way to skip entries.
Many available entries are outdated or have no content.
Saying, “Alexa, play my flash briefing” will result in Alexa playing default news sound bites.
you could customize these briefings in the Alexa app by adding and deleting sources.
SelectFlash Briefingin theSettingsmenu and search for content that interests you.
Listen to Music Throughout the House
Play same music to multiple speakers.
Easy to set up from app.
Amazon Prime Music or Amazon Music Unlimited account required.
Will not play over paired Bluetooth speakers.
In the Alexa app, go toDevices.
snag the+ (Plus)icon and chooseCombine Speakers>Multi-Room Music.
choose the devices you want to include and then create the group.
Change Alexas Voice
A dozen languages available.
Specific to any unit.
No character voices or other options.
Cannot apply to multiple devices at once.
Alexa can speak in a language other than English or use a different accent.
SelectLanguageand choose an option from the drop-down menu.
Say ‘Good Morning’ and ‘Good Afternoon’
Response is always different.
You do not need to fire up the skill to use it.
Can only use “Good morning” before noon.
Get Traffic Updates
you might add stops on your route.
Basic setting, no skill involved.
Can only enter a single destination.
Destinations are not rig-specific.
Check the traffic en route to school or work using Alexa’s Traffic skill.
To do so, you must enter a destination in the app.
SelectSettingsfrom the menu, selectTrafficunderAlexa Preferencesand enter both your home and destination addresses.
After you have entered this information, you could ask, “Alexa, how’s traffic?”
to receive real-time information.
Whip up an IFTTT Recipe
Easy to incorporate smart home devices.
Large collection of applets to choose from.
Requires the use of one or more third-party services.
Custom “recipes” can be complex.
you’re free to use these applets to increase Alexa’s abilities.
Protect Purchases
Easy to set up.
View the code in the app if you forget it.
Kids can overhear the code.
You don’t have to install a skill; Just say Alexa, downloadgamefrom Xbox Game Pass.
Check in While Youre Away
Permission required to drop in.
Check in from any location with app.
Echo gear with screen required to view surroundings.
Must enable to use.
after you snag enabled the feature, selectDrop-infrom theCommunicatescreen and choose the gear with which you want to connect.
Build DIY Skills
Dozens of templates available.
Amazon must approve skills if you want to publish them.
Alexa has added a cool feature called Alexa Skill Blueprints.
To get started, sign in with your Amazon user name at blueprints.alexa.com.
Make Multiple Profiles
Use voice commands to switch profiles.
Added adults have access to Amazon purchase information.
Alexa might confuse similar voices.
Setting up profiles for everyone in the household helps customize the content Alexa provides for the user.
