Apple’s AI wall tablet: They’re getting into the smart-home controls business to compete with Amazon, Crestron and Google. Using Apple’s AI tablet, you’ll be able to control your locks, lights, sprinklers, speakers and other appliances. Audio and video intercoms are included, too. ETA? March 2025 at the earliest.
Sweet trick: Use a smart speaker as an intercom
Remember screaming, “Dinner’s ready!” Or maybe you had a fancy built-in intercom system in your house? Those clunky old systems feel outdated today, but man, were they handy.
Good news: You have access to the future world version if you own any smart speakers. It’s super easy to set up. Let me show you how.
Hey Alexa, help me out
To get started, you need a few Amazon Echos. I like the Echo Dot (54% off!) and this one is sweet because it also has a built-in clock.
Make sure they’re linked to the same Amazon account or Amazon Household. And they also need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Hey, it’s the details.
You also need to enable Drop In and Announcements. Open the Alexa app, then tap Devices > Echo and Alexa > “Device Name“> Cog icon > Communications > Drop In + Announcements.
Now, the fun part.
- Say, “Alexa, drop in on…” followed by the speaker’s name.
- Wait for a tone (and a green light on the receiving speaker), then start talkin’. Here’s what I might say to Barry, “Alexa, drop in on the bedroom speaker; come on, we’re late!”
FYI, Drop In won’t end until someone says, “Alexa, end drop in” or “Alexa, hang up.” To send a one-off message, say, “Alexa, announce …” like “Alexa, announce it’s bedtime!”
Google folks, let’s do this
Google Nest speakers use the “broadcast” command for intercom shenanigans. There’s no setup as long as your Google Nest speakers are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Say, “Hey Google, broadcast…” followed by your message. Like, “Hey Google, broadcast, the food is getting cold!”
- You can also say, “shout, tell everyone or announce” instead of “broadcast.” Shout makes me laugh!
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Tech tip: How to set up Drop In for Amazon Echo
Amazon Echos come with tons of helpful features. You can switch lights on and off, play podcasts or even drop in on people in other rooms. Alexa’s Drop In feature lets you communicate through different Echos throughout your home or even in someone else’s home.
One trick to unlock your smart home speaker’s true potential
The widespread adoption of smart home products is one of the biggest recent developments in the tech industry. In fact, during CES 2020, a sizable portion of the convention was dedicated to smart home and internet-of-things products, as well as the voice assistants that make it all possible.