The Best Alexa Features You’re Not Using

Hey there! Ever wondered if you’re really making the most out of your Amazon Alexa? Sure, you know how to ask it to play music, set timers, and maybe even control your smart lights, but there’s a treasure trove of Alexa features you’re probably not using. Let’s dive in and unlock some of those hidden gems, shall we?

Introduction

So, you’ve got an Amazon Alexa sitting pretty on your countertop or desk, and it’s probably your go-to for weather updates and playing your favorite tunes, right? But did you know Alexa can do a whole lot more? Seriously, it’s like having a personal assistant who’s just waiting to be fully utilized. From surprising hacks to incredibly useful skills, Alexa is packed with features that can make your life a whole lot easier—and a bit more fun too.

Imagine this: You’re knee-deep in preparing dinner, hands covered in flour, and suddenly you realize you need to adjust the oven temperature or find a quick substitute for buttermilk. With Alexa, you don’t have to stop what you’re doing. Just a simple voice command, and voila, you’re sorted. Intrigued? Let’s explore some of the best Alexa features you’re not using (but definitely should be)!

Hidden Gems: Alexa Features You Need to Try

1. Routines for Daily Efficiency

Ever felt like your morning routine could use a bit of a spruce up? With Alexa’s Routines, you can automate a series of actions with just one command. Imagine saying, “Alexa, start my day,” and having your smart lights turn on, the weather forecast read out, your coffee maker start brewing, and your favorite news briefing begin—all at once.

• Setting Up Routines: Head to the Alexa app, tap on “Routines,” and customize it to fit your daily needs. You can add actions like setting reminders, adjusting smart home devices, or even sending a drop-in message to another Echo device in your house.

2. Alexa Guard for Home Security

Feeling a bit paranoid when you leave the house? Alexa Guard turns your Echo into a security device. It can listen for sounds like breaking glass or smoke alarms and send alerts to your phone.

• How to Enable Alexa Guard: In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Guard and follow the prompts to set it up. Once it’s active, just say, “Alexa, I’m leaving,” and let Alexa keep an ear out for trouble.

3. Drop-In and Announcements for Seamless Communication

Got a big house or maybe just a few rooms you don’t feel like walking to? Alexa’s Drop-In and Announcements features let you communicate with other Echo devices in your home effortlessly.

• Using Drop-In: Enable Drop-In permissions in the Alexa app for specific contacts or devices. Then, simply say, “Alexa, drop in on the kitchen,” to start a conversation with whoever’s there.
• Making Announcements: Say, “Alexa, announce,” followed by your message, and it will broadcast to all Echo devices in your home. Perfect for calling the family to dinner!

4. Multi-Room Music for Ultimate Jams

Love blasting tunes all around the house? Alexa’s Multi-Room Music feature lets you sync music across multiple Echo devices, creating a seamless audio experience throughout your home.

• Setting Up Multi-Room Music: In the Alexa app, go to Devices > Plus icon (+) > Set Up Multi-Room Music. Create a group and add the Echo devices you want to include. Now, when you play music, just tell Alexa which group to play it in.

5. Shopping List and Voice Purchasing

Never forget an item at the store again with Alexa’s Shopping List feature. You can add items to your list just by speaking to Alexa, and even use Voice Purchasing to order essentials directly from Amazon.

• Adding to Your Shopping List: Just say, “Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.” Access your list anytime in the Alexa app.
• Enabling Voice Purchasing: In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Account Settings > Voice Purchasing and follow the steps to set it up. Now, you can buy items by simply asking Alexa.

6. Skill Blueprints for Custom Skills

Did you know you can create your own Alexa skills without any coding? Alexa Skill Blueprints allow you to customize and create new skills tailored to your needs, like personalized trivia games or custom responses.

• Creating Skills: Visit the Alexa Skill Blueprints website, choose a blueprint, and follow the instructions to create and enable your custom skill. For example, create a family trivia game by filling in your own questions and answers.

Why Aren’t You Using These Features Yet?

Alright, maybe some of these features sound like they require a bit of setup, but trust me, it’s worth it. Let’s be real, we’re all busy, and the idea of setting up new tech can seem daunting. But once you get the hang of it, these features can genuinely simplify your life. Plus, there’s something quite satisfying about mastering new tech and showing it off to your friends and family.

Another reason you might not be using these features is simply not knowing they exist. Amazon’s constantly updating Alexa with new capabilities, and it can be hard to keep up. But hey, that’s what I’m here for—to clue you in on the coolest, most useful features that you’ve been missing out on.

Practical Tips to Get Started

So, you’re ready to start using these nifty Alexa features. Here are some tips to get you going without pulling your hair out:

Setting Up Routines

• Start simple: Begin with a basic routine, like turning off all lights at bedtime.
• Experiment: Add new actions gradually to see what works best for you.

Using Alexa Guard

• Test it out: Trigger the alert manually to ensure you receive notifications.
• Integrate: Combine with smart security devices for enhanced protection.

Making the Most of Multi-Room Music

• Group wisely: Place Echo devices in rooms where you spend the most time.
• Sync settings: Ensure all devices have similar volume levels for a smooth experience.

Conclusion

There you have it—some of the best Alexa features you’re not using but absolutely should be. These features can transform your Alexa from a simple voice assistant into an indispensable part of your daily routine. From automating your morning to securing your home, Alexa’s capabilities are vast and varied.

Key Takeaways

• Routines: Automate your daily tasks with a single command.
• Alexa Guard: Enhance your home security effortlessly.
• Drop-In and Announcements: Communicate seamlessly across your home.
• Multi-Room Music: Enjoy synchronized music in every room.
• Shopping List and Voice Purchasing: Simplify shopping and ordering essentials.
• Skill Blueprints: Create custom Alexa skills without coding.

Positive and Negative Points

So, why not start exploring these features today? Your smarter home awaits!

FAQ

1. How do I set up Alexa routines? To set up Alexa routines, open the Alexa app, tap on “Routines,” and customize actions to fit your needs. Add triggers and actions to automate tasks.

2. What is Alexa Guard, and how does it work? Alexa Guard turns your Echo into a security device, listening for sounds like breaking glass or smoke alarms and sending alerts to your phone.

3. Can I create my own Alexa skills? Yes, with Alexa Skill Blueprints, you can create custom skills without any coding knowledge. Visit the Alexa Skill Blueprints website to get started.

4. How do I use Multi-Room Music with Alexa? Set up Multi-Room Music by grouping Echo devices in the Alexa app. Then, use voice commands to play music across the group.

5. What is Drop-In, and how do I enable it? Drop-In allows instant communication between Echo devices. Enable it in the Alexa app by adjusting Drop-In permissions for specific contacts or devices.

6. Is Voice Purchasing safe to use? Yes, Voice Purchasing is secure. You can set up a confirmation code in the Alexa app to ensure unauthorized purchases don’t happen.

7. Can Alexa help me with my shopping list? Absolutely! You can add items to your shopping list using voice commands, and access the list anytime in the Alexa app.

Written by: Jamie Bennett, an enthusiast in smart home technologies and voice assistants.