Get the most out of Amazon Alexa with these 7 professional tips



[ad_1]

Oh, Alexa! We have such a relationship of love-hate with you.

On the one hand, you do exactly what we ask you to do. On the other hand, you secretly record our conversations.

That's why we are going to share these seven Alexa secrets. I hope they will help to improve our relationship.

1. Automatically delete records

Remember when we first discovered that Alexa from Amazon was hearing, recording and storing all our conversations with other people? It was dark days indeed.

No surprise, the customers were not happy. In the midst of the outcry, Amazon launched a feature that allowed us to clear the slate with Alexa. All we have to say is "Alexa, delete everything I said today" and not only has it disappeared, but it is not stored either.

To enable this feature, with the help of your application, go to settings >> Alexa account >> Alexa Privacy >> Review the history of the voice and slide the rocker to the right that says "Enable voice deletion."

If you want to use the website, go to amazon.com/alexaprivacysettings and slide the scale again.

2. Delete Alexa search history

Unfortunately, the Clear All command did not clear the search history. You still have to do it manually, at least for the moment.

Here's how you can delete individual files:

  1. Open the Alexa app and enter the "Settings" section.
  2. To select "Alexa account" so what "L & # 39; history" and you will see a list of all entries.
  3. Select an entry and press the Wipe off button.

To delete all the records via your Alexa app, press settings >> Alexa account >> Alexa Privacy >> Review of the voice history. On this page you will see a drop-down menu under Date range with a default setting of Today & # 39; hui. Tap on this menu and change Today & # 39; hui at All history. Then press Delete all records for all history.

If you want to delete all records with one click, visit "Manage your content and devices" page on amazon.com/mycd.

It sounds good, but there is a caveat. Amazon warns us that "deleting voice recordings can degrade your Alexa experience." This means that the artificial intelligence program of Alexa will not be very personalized and that this could prevent it from learning from your orders.

3. Dial 911

Believe it or not, Alexa is ready for this challenge. But you will have to buy some items first.

You are going to need a device connected to Alexa, such as an Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Spot or Echo Plus. Then you will need a home phone service. You can use an existing fixed or VoIP service.

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Basically, this means that you can make calls over the Internet without going through a fixed line.

Then you will need your smartphone with the Alexa app downloaded. The last piece of hardware you need is Echo Connect, designed specifically for fixed lines.

Amazon has a gadget called Echo Connect. With this one, you can use your compatible Echo device to call any number supported by your telephone company. Including 911.

Once you have Echo Connect, you can sync your smartphone contacts in the Alexa app so you never have to search for a number. Just say "Alexa dial 911," and the emergency services will be in your place.

Before you start with Echo Connect:

  • Use your smartphone to sign up for Alexa Calling and Messaging.
  • Make sure the configuration of your phone or VoIP service is complete.
  • Place Echo Connect in a location near a power outlet, a phone jack and your Wi-Fi router. It does not need to be close to your existing handsets or your devices Echo.

Once these steps are complete, configure your Echo Connect by following these steps:

  • Enable Echo Connect – Plug the provided AC adapter into Echo Connect and then into a power outlet. The power indicator on the top of the unit is on when the unit is turned on.
  • Connect to a phone jack – Plug one end of the supplied telephone cable into the back of the Echo Connect. Plug the other end of the cable into:
    • A standard telephone jack (for fixed telephone service)
    • Wi-Fi router (for digital phone service)
    • Analog Telephone Adapter (for VoIP Telephone Service)
  • Complete Wi-Fi configuration in the Alexa app on your smartphone – In the menu of the Alexa app, select settings >> Set up a new device and follow the instructions.

That's all, that's all you need for Alexa to make hands-free calls for you. This is not only an excellent tool for emergency situations. It is also useful for making regular phone calls to friends and family.

Since Echo Connect uses your personal phone number, your family and friends will be able to recognize the call. You can even answer your personal phone on your echo from the other side of the room, so that you can easily talk to anyone in handsfree when you are busy or away from the phone.

4. Change the voice of Alexa

First of all, you can not turn Alexa into Alex. But you can change his language and his accent.

Do you want Alexa to have a Canadian or British accent? Maybe you want to completely change his language. Now you can.

Just open your Alexa app and press the button hamburger menu three lines in the upper left corner. Then press Settings >> Device Settings and select the Alexa device on which you want to change language. (Note: You'll see a list of Alexa devices you have.) Scroll down the list and select Languages.

This will open a list of languages, choose the one you want. A confirmation window appears asking if you want to change Alexa's language. Press on D & # 39; agreement. Go ahead and test some before deciding to find the one you prefer. That's it, you can now distinguish your Alexa from your friends.

5. Use the Alexa Cast feature

It's a clever new feature that lets you play or stream your favorite music on any of your Alexa compatible devices. You control music from your Amazon Music iOS or Android app.

You can connect or disconnect devices through your music application. Best of all, Alexa devices do not have to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.

Here's what you need to do:

  • Open the Amazon Music app
  • Look for the throw icon at the top right, just to the left of the search icon.
  • Once you have pressed this option, you will see a list of available Echo devices.
  • Once connected, you can use the Amazon Music app on your smartphone to skip songs or replay them with a simple touch of a finger.
  • When you want to stop streaming, view the list of devices on your Amazon Music App and press the button disconnect button.

6. Configure multi-room audio

This brings us to multi-room audio because if you have multiple Echo devices in your home, why should your favorite music be limited to one at a time? It's also easy to set up.

You will need to create a Multi-room music group via the Alexa app by following these steps:

  • Click on features in the lower right corner of the application.
  • At the top right, look for the + sign.
  • To choose Add multi-room music speakers.
  • You will find suggested names for the group or you can create your own by pressing Name of use.
  • Select the devices you want to include and press Create a group.

Let's say you named your group Upstairs. To test it, you can say something like: "Alexa, play my summer playlist at the top." See? Nothing to do it.

It's not just music. Some homes are so big that you might need an intercom system to talk to someone in another part of the house. You can not live in a mansion, but you can create your own "intercom" system for you to "install" on Alexa compatible devices.

Use the ones you already have or buy new Echo products and connect the devices via the Alexa app. Place echoes in your children's rooms, in the kitchen, in the family room – just store them where you think they will meet your needs.

First of all, you have to make sure that the Drop-In This feature is enabled on each of your Echo devices.

  • Tap features at the bottom of the Alexa app, then look for the Echo and Alexa option at the top left.
  • Select an Echo device, and then press The communications.
  • To select Drop-In, where you can enable the feature.

Once they are set up, you can use your voice saying "Alexa, pass on the Echo show", according to the name you gave to the devices. You can also access the feature through the Alexa app by tapping Communicate at the bottom of the home screen and selecting Drop-In.

You can now make announcements such as "Dinner is ready" that will be heard by all devices.

6. Get the latest system update

Although Echo devices update their software automatically, you can always manually verify that Alexa is up to date. It's easy to check and install; all you have to do is ask Alexa.

Make sure Alexa is on and your internet connection is working. So say, "Check for software updates"When an update has been found and is ready to be installed, the Alexa LED will glow blue until the installation is complete.

This part is important: do not give Alexa any other commands and do not use her application while she checks and downloads the updates.

Bonus: Listen to The Kim Komando Show & # 39;

Yes, Alexa can play "The Kim Komando Show" for you. Just say, "Alexa, play the Kim Komando Show."

Alexa will then ask you if you want to subscribe via your Amazon account (unless you are already subscribed). If you say yes, it will give you the price – $ 2.99 a month, and you can cancel at any time. Say yes, and she'll charge your Amazon account.

New episodes are available every Saturday morning. When you tell Alexa to play Kim Komando Show, she always plays the most recent episode.

You can also tell Alexa to play the episode of the previous week by saying "Alexa, play the next episode". Alexa has two months of shows that you can listen to.

If you're interrupted while listening to the series, just say "Alexa pause". To resume listening, say "Alexa play". When you have finished listening, just say: "Alexa Stop".

Watch this video to see Kim trying herself the application. You can see how easy it is to subscribe and start listening.

Do you want to get even more from Alexa? Check out Kim's eBook, "How to Use Your Amazon Echo: Tips and Tricks." You will learn everything you need to know to become an Alexa pro. Get your copy on Amazon Kindle today.

Listen carefully! Google's Smart Assistant also hears your private conversations

According to new reports, Google's Virtual Assistant is recording the voices of its users for search purposes. In addition, it could involve heavy fines imposed by European regulators! What did Google do with all this private voice data?

Click or tap here to learn more about Google Spying Assistant.

[ad_2]

Source link