I was always against the Amazon Alexa because it seemed like just another useless electronic device that does everything that you can do on your own. But when I came home for break, I noticed my family purchased an Alexa, and I instantly became addicted to using her.
Amazon also created an amazing Super Bowl commercial that made me love Alexa even more.
These are Alexa's 10 most useful talents:
1. Play music from any room in your house.
This is usually the main thing Alexa is known for, but before I ever used Alexa I did not know you could link her to your Spotify. You can also ask her to play any type of music, like "pump up music," and she will instantly play songs from a related playlist.
2. Change the wake word.
This is a problem solver for anyone who has a family member named Alexa. Although you can't create your own wake word yet, (which seems like something that will definitely be available in the future) you can change it to Amazon, Computer, or Echo.
3. Solve quick math problems or conversions.
This is very useful when cooking or when you can't remember what 32x47 is. Alexa easily converts measurements, so you don't need to waste the time looking them up.
4. Make calls and send messages.
The making calls tool is very useful for conference calls or just calling someone to catch up.
5. Use Alexa as a timer.
Most people don't know about this feature either, but it is very helpful. All you have to do is say, "Alexa set a timer for three minutes," and you are good to go!
6. Create reminders.
Alexa can remind you to go to class at 10 a.m. You can even set the alarm further in advance. For example, you could have Alexa remind you to call your sister in three days from now, and in three days Alexa will sound an alarm telling you that you need to call your sister.
7. Brew a cup of coffee.
If you have a Mr. Coffee or Behmor connected brewer, you can ask Alexa to make you some coffee and she will start it for you.
8. Keep you updated on current events.
While sipping on coffee in the morning you can get the latest news without flipping through the newspaper by just asking Alexa, "Alexa, read me the news."
9. Sync your Google calendar.
Alexa can keep you updated on your day-to-day tasks and inform you on upcoming events in your calendar.
10. Get information about local businesses and restaurants.
Alexa can inform you about the menu or how late restaurants stay open. Alexa taps into the app Yelp to help find restaurants for you.
While Alexa may seem too tech savvy for some people, she is very easy to use, and there are always helpful articles about her new features. Alexa is definitely a fun thing to have around the house, and she is very useful in more ways than people think.
