Should you teach your kids to be polite when dealing with virtual assistants? Listen now for my take.
Smart trick to get all the perks of an Echo Show for less money
Amazon
Everyone loves their Amazon Echo Show. Regardless of generation, you can access all your smart gadgets, listen to your favorite podcasts and music, get the local weather forecast and use tons of Alexa-friendly apps.
Use it to watch your favorite videos, upload your best pictures, cook along with top chefs on YouTube or video chat with friends and family.
But what if you don’t own an Echo Show? Just turn your Amazon Fire tablet into your own Echo Show. Here’s how.
1. Add a dock
Made for Amazon, Wireless Charging Dock
If you already own a Fire tablet, pick up this great wireless charging dock. It allows you to use Alexa and Show Mode while your tablet charges. Power your tablet in either portrait or landscape mode and enjoy fast charging, which powers your device up to 80% in less than two hours. And with such a large screen, you can see the display from across the room.
Promising review: “If you spring for the Fire Tablet, add this! Keeps it charged and visible! I set my Kindle Fire 8plus on ‘Show Mode’ when I’m not using it for other things. It works great to give me [the] weather, control a lamp [and] show me upcoming events. Get this to get more from your device!”
2. Don’t forget a simple but functional stand
Amazon Basics Multi-Angle Portable Stand
This portable stand is ideal for tablets, smartphones or e-readers that stand four to 10 inches high. There is a removable rubber pad along the bottom to keep it from slipping or sliding across various surfaces. The durable zinc-alloy body holds up to 11 pounds and can be folded flat for easy transport. Enjoy your tablet’s Show Mode on this stand, which is available in black or white.
Promising review: “A game changer. My 10-inch Kindle with docking unit has gotten too heavy for my arthritic hands. This stand allows me to set my Kindle in portrait view for reading at the dinner table … The stand holds the Kindle firmly in place and can be angled for easy viewing. The docking unit can remain plugged in by my easy chair. Convenient.”
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New Alexa features: Sound detection, refill medications and more
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Smart assistants are there to make your life easier and more enjoyable. They can help you with simple tasks such as setting the thermostat or impressing your guests on movie night by setting the mood via lighting.
Amazon’s Alexa is built into all Echo devices and is compatible with numerous other smart devices. Though she’s one of the most popular smart assistants out here, Alexa isn’t perfect and does have her quirks. Tap or click here to check out how to solve five common Alexa problems.
Deal alert: This all-weather outdoor smart plug is under $20 right now
Amazon
Automating your backyard is a game-changer. It’s hard to go back to the old-fashioned way when you can control outdoor devices with a remote control or even just your voice.
A helpful gadget like the Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug is an easy way to use landscape lighting, swimming pool pumps or holiday lights in a snap. It’s weather-resistant and has a Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet. Our team’s product review expert, Ben Bradley, used a Kasa smart plug to keep his dogs safe.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Black Friday shortages are real: Amazon shopping tips to get what you want and still save money
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The holiday shopping season arrives earlier every year. In 2021, it’s not only a retailer’s strategy to get you to spend more money. Supply chain disruptions and chip shortages mean buying specific items will be more challenging and more expensive.
Here's how to make Alexa say whatever you want
Want to make Alexa say anything you want? Listen now to learn how to create a personal greeting or prompt.
Amazon's $60 smart thermostat costs just a fraction of the Nest
Amazon
Lowering monthly bills is one way to keep a little extra money in your pocket. There are many ways to go about this, and we’re going to focus on what you can do around the home.
Your energy bill factors in how much juice you’re using as well as your location. The season can significantly affect this as your heating and AC use increases. Even your everyday appliances and devices add up to a big energy drain. Tap or click here for the six biggest culprits and what you can do to slash your energy bill.
Amazon unveils robot on wheels, a $60 smart thermostat and more
Amazon
Big Tech is rarely content with simple announcements when it comes to unveiling new hardware. It has to be an event, and this continues even as audiences can only attend virtually.
Apple recently unveiled its flagship product, the iPhone 13, which comes in four flavors. Along with this came details on the new Apple Watch as well as some new entries in the iPad family. Tap or click here for our Apple rundown.
Review: Klipsch Cinema 1200 Sound Bar System
Buy a new TV these days and you’ll be amazed by any number of advancements from screen technology and size to colors and number of pixels. But if there’s always been one constant, it’s that the built-in speakers just don’t cut it.
Windows nightmare continues, podcasting tips, new Gen Z trend
This week, Kim and Allie are joined by a special guest, Paul Colligan. He’s a super-smart podcast expert and chats with us about some excellent ideas if you’ve ever thought about starting your own show. That, plus this week in tech news, Kim’s favorite Alexa prank, and a brand new game. Will Kim stump you?
LG has a $100K rollable TV - or you could buy all this stuff instead
LG.com
We are more glued to our television sets than ever before. The pandemic gave us more time to watch TV, as those who could have stayed home more often. Streaming services added more content and as movie theaters were shut down, films were released for home viewing.
New Amazon Echo screen moves with you and it's available to preorder now
Amazon
Echo smart devices have come a long way since they first hit the market. Not only are there original Echo speakers, but there are a ton of different and upgraded devices available now, too.
There’s a reason Echo devices are so popular. They are affordable and useful, too. You can use your Alexa-enabled speaker to control smart devices, track schedules, shop for items you need or help with a ton of other tasks. Plus, you can get even more out of your Alexa device with these pro tips.
Alexa prank you’ll love
Sure, you can say, “Alexa, play my favorite song.” But did you know Alexa can also play funny pranks?
Borrow this trick from pro broadcasters to stop work-from-home interruptions
Eight months after the pandemic was officially declared, many Americans are still working from home. The same goes for most of Kim’s staff, myself included.
If working from home is something you’re interested in, there are all kinds of occupations if you know where to look. Tap or click here for an extensive list of ways to make money from home.
Amazon Fire TV 2020 comparison chart
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Streaming movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu and your other favorite services has never been easier thanks to feature-packed gadgets like Amazon’s Fire TV lineup. Compare the different models below, all updated for 2020.
Kim just saved $480 on Echo Show so everyone in the family can keep in touch with Mom
Amazon
If you’re a Prime member who loves getting deals on smart gadgets, Prime Day i slike Christmas. Amazon is offering some serious discounts on its devices, which means you can grab these electronics for a steal if you move quickly. Tap or click here to see some of our other top picks for Prime Day.
How to get the best Amazon Prime Day deals - and 7 incredible early sales
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Prime Day is coming next week — and deals are already starting to trickle in. For those of you ready to shop ’til you drop, Amazon is offering discounts on electronics and accessories from some of the biggest manufacturers in the world.
New Alexa commands to try
One of the most popular smart speakers are Amazon Echos with the digital assistant Alexa. I’m sure you already know the basics: Reminders, news and weather. But Alexa can help in ways you might not be aware of.
Deal alert: Amazon's Fire TV Cube is at its lowest-ever price
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If you haven’t joined the streaming TV phenomenon yet, you’re missing out. People all over the country have fallen in love with binge-watching their favorite shows over a relaxing weekend.
With so many great streaming services out there, finding amazing programming is a breeze. But which service is right for you? Tap or click here to find out as we compare Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more.
10 best apps to install on your new Android
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So, you got a new Android phone? Be prepared: You’re entering a whole new digital world. Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system. It offers an impressive range of cool features and unique apps that make life more fun and productive.