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Amazon Alexa

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How to use Amazon’s Alexa app on your smartphone

Amazon's Alexa app brings its immensely popular voice search and control features to many Android and iOS phones. We'll show you how to make the most of it.
Alexa together.

How to use Alexa Together

Alexa Together is a useful suite of Alexa features designed to help you keep tabs on family members remotely. Let's explore the many things the platform can do.
Dani lights a cigarette as zombies attack her from behind in Dead Island 2 key art.

Dead Island 2’s Amazon Alexa voice commands are novel, but limited

Dead Island 2's Alexa Game Control implementation allows players to change weapons and set waypoints, but it's a little limited so far.
Amazon Echo Show 5th Generation on a shelf.

How to connect Matter devices to Amazon Alexa

Connecting Matter devices to Amazon Alexa is a simple process, but there are a few requirements to be aware of. Here's everything you need to know.
amazon echo dot review

How to enable whisper mode on Alexa, and how exactly it works

With whisper mode, you can chat with Alexa whenever you want, even at 3 a.m. This guide shows you how to enable this cool feature and explains how it works.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

How to fix an Amazon Smart Thermostat that’s unresponsive or not working as expected

If you're looking to fix an unresponsive Amazon Smart Thermostat, there are plenty of troubleshooting steps you can try. Here's what you need to know.
Apple HomePod mini on table

HomePod Mini vs. Echo Dot: which is better?

Amazon and Apple have two new smart speakers on the market, but which of these next-gen devices is truly the best? Let's take a deeper look at both speakers.
Amazon Echo Auto

The Amazon Echo Auto is a car accessory only die-hard Alexa users should get

The Amazon Echo Auto is a great way to get Alexa in your car without breaking the bank, but it's also an accessory you probably don't need.
Echo 4th Gen on table.

The best Amazon Echo tips and tricks

Making the most of Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, isn't that tough. We've compiled a list of the top Echo speaker tips and tricks that everyone should know.
Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro.

Amazon’s Alexa Voice Remote Pro review: put it in the box already!

The Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro is the best Fire TV remote — which is a shame because you'll have to pay extra for it.
Some scary teens in The Midnight Club.

How to find ghosts with Alexa (and other scary skills)

Far more than a smart home controller, many Alexa devices can also be used for some truly ghoulish fun. Here are some of our favorite frightening Alexa skills.
Astro looking at a dog on a couch.

Despite its new features, Astro is still impractical for most people

Amazon's Astro is a nifty invention, but it's functionality is still limited. It's not the most practical purchase for the vast majority of people.
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Experts warn AI assistants are hurting the social development of children

An analysis from Cambridge experts suggest that interactions with AI assistants like Alexa is impeding the social development of children and disrupt learning.
Astro looking at an open front door of a home.

Amazon Astro gets new pet- and security-focused features

Amazon announced today new features for its Astro robot, including pet detection, Ring Virtual Security Guard support, more robust AI, and a new SDK.
The Echo Dot with Clock sits on a table.

New Amazon Echos bring ‘dot displays’ and mesh networking, plus models for kids and cars

At Amazon's Devices & Services event, the company launched four new products including an upgraded Echo Dot and Echo Auto.
The Amazon Halo Rise displaying a wake-up light.

Amazon’s Halo Rise is an alarm clock, sleep tracker, and wake-up light in one

The Halo Rise is a privacy-focused bedside sleep tracker, wake-up light, and alarm, all rolled into one package.
Super Bowl commercial featuring Amazon Alexa.

How to set up geofencing for Alexa

Did you know Alexa can run routines based on your location? Here's how geofencing works with Alexa devices, what you can do, and how to set it up for your home.
The Echo Show 15 is the largest smart display yet.

How to sell your parents on a smart assistant

Are you trying to convince your doubtful or budget-minded folks to invest in a smart assistant like Alexa or Siri? Here are some pointers for your argument.
The Bites 2 Lite device mounted on a wall.

5 Alexa skills and features your pet will love

Our four-legged friends may not be able to use Alexa themselves, but with a little programming of our own, we can easily build Alexa into the lives of our pets.
Echo Dot (4th Gen) sits on a shelf in a kitchen.

5 unique and creative uses for Alexa’s Sound Detection feature

Alexa's Sound Detection feature allows you to build Routines around a number of different audio cues. Here are five ideas for some automations you can create.
An older man using the Show and Tell skill with an Echo Show.

The 5 best Alexa skills for older people (and one bonus tip)

Alexa can help your loved ones manage prescriptions, hire a plumber, and so much more. Here are five of the best Alexa skills for older folks you can use today.
A man uses the Xiaomi S1's Amazon Alexa capabilities.

How to update Alexa

Are you interested in getting the latest updates for your Alexa voice assistant? Is there anything you need to update manually? Learn how Alexa updates work.
Official glimpse of Nothing Phone 1 with a parrot sitting on top of phone.

Can you train a parrot to use Alexa, and should you?

Can parrots use Alexa voice commands to control Echos or even order items? You may be surprised just what these intelligent birds can get away with -- and how.
John Cleese, naked except for a photo held in front of his crotch, in A Fish Called Wanda.

Alexa has seen me naked, and that’s okay

Your smart home technology has probably seen you naked, too. Is that something to worry about? I say no.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release)on a table with a yoga matt and water bottle.

Why can’t Alexa reach Amazon Music?

Is your Alexa device not connecting with your Amazon Music account? Let's look at what could be happening, and how to get your Amazon tunes playing again ASAP.
Echo Show 5 playing music.

Why does Alexa stop playing music?

Is your Alexa device suddenly refusing to play music? Other users have also run into this issue: Here's what causes the problem and what solutions will fix it.
Echo Dot (4th Gen) sits on a shelf in a kitchen.

Why is my Alexa Echo green?

A flashing, spinning, or solid green light on your Echo device means someone is trying to get a hold of you. Here's how to turn off this incoming notification.
Amazon Echo Spot on a table.

How to connect Alexa to iPhone

While Alexa and iPhone iOS may be two different platforms from different brands, they're still quite compatible. Here's how you can use Alexa with your iPhone.
Amazon Echo Show 15 hanging horizontally on the wall in a kitchen.

5 reasons I still use the Echo Show 15 everyday

The Echo Show 15 came out six months ago, and I still use it on a daily basis to stay on top of tasks. Here's why I still love it.
Amazon Echo Studio

How to get sports updates from Alexa

Eager for the latest sports updates? A word to Alexa can get you scores, wins, and more. Here's how to give sports commands and how to personalize your updates.
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Celebrate Fourth of July with these patriotic Alexa skills

Wondering how you can use your smart home to express your patriotism? Use these Alexa skills.
The 2021 Amazon Echo Show 8 in an angled view.

I followed Alexa’s prompts for a day and this is what I learned

The Echo Show delivers prompts and news items during the day. Just how tailored are they to your preferences? We did everything it says for a day to find out.
Echo Show 8 on a wooden table.

How to fix Alexa not connecting to the internet

Smart devices that get disconnected from the internet can lose a lot of functionality. Here's how to fix that if it happens to your Echo device.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) on a kitchen counter.

Amazon feature has Alexa speaking in voice of late relative

Whether you find it creepy or comforting depends on your disposition, but Amazon has found a way to get Alexa to speak in the voice of a deceased relative.