New Alexa features: Sound detection, refill medications and more
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.
Developers are constantly tweaking Alexa to improve functionality while adding new features. Keep reading for some helpful new features that were recently added to Alexa’s arsenal.
Sound detection
Alexa already can detect sounds such as glass breaking and a dog barking. Now Alexa can detect two new sounds: water running and appliances beeping. This is useful for knowing when the laundry is done or if someone left the sink running or the refrigerator door open.
Here’s how to set up Sound Detection:
- Open the Alexa app and tap the More icon, then Routines.
- Name your routine, then tap Next.
- Tap When this happens followed by Sound Detection.
- Choose from the list of options.
While convenient, be aware that this feature highlights how a smart speaker-enabled device such as an Echo is always listening. Tap or click here to check out which devices are the biggest privacy offenders.
Preference teaching
You can teach Alexa routines, so she knows things like when you typically get home or wake up in the morning. Thanks to preference teaching, you can get more personal by informing her about your favorite types of food, sports team or recipes.
Alexa won’t suggest recipes containing meat to vegetarians, for example. Just say, “Alexa, I am a vegetarian.” When you ask for a restaurant recommendation, she’ll answer based on your food preferences. She’ll also let you know the latest scores for your favorite teams. Say, “Alexa, I like the Minnesota Vikings.”