If Apple has Siri and Google has Google Assistant, Amazon’s answer to the goring virtual assistant game is Alexa. Apple’s Siri was the first digital virtual assistant to be standard on a smartphone. Eventually, other companies started to develop their own version. When smart speakers and smart tv started to emerge in the market, one of their promising features is the virtual assistant support where everything can be done using your simple voice commands. For Amazon Alexa, it was first used in Amazon Echo smart speakers and now, it became a part of many household conversations. If you are an Amazon product user, you should know that this app is definitely a must-have.

How Does Amazon Alexa Works?

Amazon Alexa works the same way with other virtual assistants. It is capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, sports, and other real-time information, such as news. All of these can be performed using simple voice commands. Simply initiate the command with “Alexa” followed by the task you want the virtual assistant to do. Interestingly, Alexa can also control several smart devices using itself as a home automation system. Users are able to extend the Alexa capabilities by installing “skills” (additional functionality developed by third-party vendors, in other settings more commonly called apps such as weather programs and audio features).

Setting up Amazon Alexa is not as complicated as it sounds. The first thing you need to do is to download the Amazon Alexa app from either the Google PlayStore or the Apple AppStore to get started.  From here, you can easily set up all your Alexa-enabled devices like the Echo Smart Speakers or Dot. To top it all, you can also integrate Amazon Alexa to other third-party devices that are compatible with the app. These might include smart lights, vacuum cleaners, thermostats, smart plugs, and more.

Perform Various Tasks Using Simple Voice Commands

Like any other virtual assistants, the core function of Amazon Alexa is to help you perform a series of tasks hands-free. Using simple voice commands, you can let Alexa perform the rest of the job for you. You can manage your day and your daily routine by allowing the app to turn your house into a smart home. You can set alarms, daily reminders, and integrate the app with your calendar to keep you notified about your daily routine. You can also create and view your own shopping and to-do list for the day with the help of Alexa.

You can also level up your streaming experience using this app. Amazon Alexa connects you to third-party streaming services that you are subscribed to such as Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more. Simply choose the song you like or a playlist from an album and command “ Alexa play (the name of the song)” and let your Alexa-enabled devices play it for you. The same automated feature can be applied to Weather forecast, latest news, or you can use it to read your favorite Audible or Kindle Books while you keep yourself busy doing other chores.

Verdict

Amazon Alexa can seamlessly transform your house into a smart home. All you need to do is to set up all your Amazon-enabled devices and you can do a lot of things hands-free. The app also comes with a simple and easy-to-navigate interface. As soon as you install the app, it prompts you to a simple page where you can manually manage all the smart devices at home. If you own an Amazon Echo speaker and other Amazon products at home, having Amazon Alexa on your device is a must. Level up your streaming experience at home by playing the music you like using simple voice commands. Currently, Amazon Alexa is available for both Android and iOS devices for free. You’ll be surprised what else Alexa can do.

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