The average age of cars in the U.S. is now over twelve and a half years, the oldest ever. I’ll explain why people aren’t buying new ones. Plus, police using AI for surveillance, a warning about AirTag stalking, and how to use your Amazon Echo as an intercom.
15 new Alexa commands you’ll wish you knew about sooner
Alexa may very well be the ultimate smart home companion. She does it all: she keeps track of our schedule, entertainment, and even our kitchen timer are all taken care of when she’s on the job.
According to Amazon, there are more than 50,000 unique tasks and commands that you can entrust this energetic little bot with. You probably know the usual suspects like asking Alexa for today’s weather or to call your mother, for example. She’s capable of so much more than adjusting the volume, though.
We’ve rounded up 15 of the best Alexa commands to try in your home. Whether you’ve got kids to entertain or are simply in need of some smart assistance as you stream, there’s little that she won’t be able to help you with.
1. What song is playing?
If you’re someone who prefers to fill your home with music at all times, you might find this one handy. Alexa keeps you informed, even from in the other room. Simply say, “Alexa, what song is playing?” And voila, you’ll know the name of your favorite new jam.
If you’re not into what’s pumping through the airways, asking Alexa to play the next song, or even asking, “Alexa, play that song that goes…,” will call up something more appropriate.
2. Delete everything I said today
Sometimes, we get ahead of ourselves and say things we shouldn’t. The good news is you can wipe the slate clean by voice control. Here’s how:
- Open the Alexa app and tap the three-line More icon.
- Tap Settings.
- Select Alexa Privacy.
- Tap Manage Your Alexa Data.
- Slide the toggle next to Enable deletion by voice to the right to enable it.
Enabling this feature allows you to delete recordings by saying, “Alexa, delete what I just said.” Or, “Alexa, delete everything I said today.”
3. What are my deals?
Amazon offers you many Alexa-exclusive deals, available only through a branded smart speaker. You can access them by asking her to tell you your deals daily.
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In the olden days, nobles hired guardsmen to catch castle burglars in the act. Highly-trained sentries would kick any wannabe Robin Hoods off the property. Nowadays, our homes are like our castles — but since few folks can hire a 24/7 guard, we turn to tech gadgets to protect ourselves.
15 Alexa commands you'll wish you knew sooner
Virtual assistants give us the luxury of a personal assistant without the associated costs. Just think of a question or request and say it.
Like any connected tech, you should exercise caution and know what you’re getting into. While smart assistants such as Alexa are useful and fun to use, they are there to listen and you can’t always know who is listening or what they are doing with that information. Tap or click here for three privacy settings for your Alexa.
Make an Amazon Alexa intercom
Need a low-cost, easy way to talk to people at home? Try building this DIY communication system!