Once you've done that, you can use your voice to order goods from Amazon Prime and other websites, play music from Spotify or Pandora, get directions from Google Maps GPS navigation system, and much more.
In this guide, we'll show you how to set up your new Amazon Alexa device(s) as well as identify helpful features, such as accessibility features for seniors who may have limited mobility due to arthritis, MS, etc. We'll also cover Echos plus troubleshooting tips.
Learn how to get the most out of Amazon Alexa with our comprehensive guide.
Amazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa is a voice assistant that you can use to get information, play music and control other smart devices. It's available on devices, such as the Amazon Echo Dot and Echo Show, as well as third-party speakers, such as those from Sonos or Bose.
What Is an Amazon Echo Device?
An Echo device is one of several types of hardware with built-in Alexa capabilities (others include Fire tablets and TVs). When you speak into it, it uses far-field microphones to listen for your commands or questions.
The device then sends those commands off to the cloud where Amazon's servers process them before sending back responses through WiFi or Bluetooth connections between the device and its companion app (available on iOS 10+/Android 6+).
If you're not familiar with the Amazon Echo and its siblings, these devices are voice-controlled smart speakers that can play music for you, read audiobooks aloud, answer questions and perform other tasks.
Alexa is the cloud-based voice service that powers Amazon Echo devices. It's always getting smarter and adding new features — and it works across all your devices so you can use your voice to do things, such as stream music from Spotify or Pandora on one device while controlling lights in another room via an app on your phone or tablet.
Setting Up Your Echo Device
How to Set Up Your Alexa Device:
- Power on your Echo device and follow its prompts to connect it to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If you have an older model, you may need to plug it into power using the included adapter before proceeding with this step.
- Open a browser window on your computer and go to https://amzn.to/3ZXfxDI
- Log in with your Amazon account credentials if prompted. Otherwise, skip this step and move on to the next step.
- Click Get Started under Alexa Devices. This will take you directly into getting more out of your Echo devices. You can explore some of its most useful features through third-party apps, such as Uber or Lyft (ridesharing), Domino's Pizza (food delivery), Uber Eats and GrubHub Foods (food delivery), Uber Pool and Lyft Line ridesharing services — all right from within one app.
Using the Amazon Alexa App
The Alexa app is your mobile companion to all things Alexa. It's where you'll find settings for your Echo device, manage skills and shopping lists, set up calling and messaging features, and more.
If you're new to the Amazon Alexa ecosystem, here's how to get started:
- Launch the app on your Android or iOS device. You'll see a welcome screen offering tips on how best to use your new device and some cool facts about it too.
- Tap Get Started under Getting Started with Your Device if this is your first time using an Echo speaker with Alexa Voice Service (AVS).
- If not skip ahead until we talk about connecting devices later in this article.
Alexa in Action — Shopping and More
Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant, and as such, it can help you save time and money. Here are some examples:
- Shopping. Alexa will find deals on items that you're looking for. Just say "Alexa, find me a deal on [item]?" or ask what's on sale today. It'll give you a list of options from which to choose. And if there's an item in particular that catches your eye, just say "Alexa, order [item]."
- Information. Alexa has access to millions of websites through Amazon's web services platform. You can ask anything. Just try asking about something specific, such as "how old is Barack Obama?" or get general information, such as "what time does Walmart close?"
- Calendar Management. When managing multiple calendars (work versus private), Alexa keeps track so nothing falls through the cracks by reminding you when events are coming up or when you need to leave for work each day based on the time zone set in your phone settings.
Echo Show 8: https://amzn.to/42kcUNF
Making Phone Calls with Alexa Calling and Messaging Features
To make a phone call with Alexa, you'll need to:
- Use the Alexa app on your phone or tablet.
- Set up an Amazon account if you don't already have one.
- Add your contact information in the Alexa app by tapping Contacts > "Add Contact" and enter the names and phone number(s).
- You can also import contacts from Facebook or Google by signing into those services through the same menu option as above.
Exploring Third-Party Skills for Your Echo Device
The Alexa Skills store is an excellent place to find third-party skills that add functionality to your Echo device. The store contains over 25,000 voice apps and counting, which means there's no shortage of options for you.
Once you enable a skill in the Alexa app and download it onto your phone or tablet (or connected with it via Bluetooth), you can use it right away on any device that has access to the internet and supports Wi-Fi connectivity — and that includes all Amazon Echo devices.
Managing Your Privacy Settings on Your Echo Device
To delete your recordings, you need to manage your privacy settings on your Echo device:
- Go to Settings, then scroll down and select History.
- From here, you can delete all of your recordings or just those marked as "Amazon uses my voice data to improve the quality of Alexa," which will also delete any history you have with Smart Home Skills.
- This can be done by tapping on each item individually or selecting multiple items at once with the checkmark icon in the top right corner (or swiping left on mobile).
- To delete an individual item from this list, tap on it and then tap Delete Selected Items when prompted.
- You can also go straight to Amazon's website where there is a link titled "How Do I Delete My Voice Recordings?" which takes users directly to their account management page where they can see all their past purchases as well as delete them individually if needed.
Connecting Multiple Accounts to Your Echo Device
If you have multiple accounts, such as for personal and business use, you can easily connect them all to one device. When setting up your Alexa-enabled device for the first time, simply sign in with the same Amazon account on all devices.
Once connected, you can add skills from other accounts without having to go through the initial setup process again.
Accessibility Features on the Amazon Alexa App
The Alexa app has a built-in accessibility feature that allows you to use your device hands-free. This feature is great for people who have disabilities, such as visual impairments or hearing impairments.
Unlocking the True Power of Amazon Alexa
To unlock the true power of Amazon Alexa, you will need to download the app. Once you've done so, set up your account and connect your device by following these steps:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone or tablet and tap "Get Started." If this is not available because you're using an older version of iOS or Android (5.0), go into Settings > General > Software Update and update accordingly before proceeding with these instructions
- Select "Set Up Device" from within the main menu of the app
- Follow the prompts until they lead you through connecting your device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Your Echo Device
While it's true that Amazon Echo devices were created as a way to play music, they can be used for many different things. For example, you can ask Alexa to tell you the weather forecast or what time your favorite TV show starts tonight.
The best way to troubleshoot common issues with your device is by following these steps:
- Reset your device by unplugging it from its power source for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in again. This will reset all of its settings so that you don't have any problems using it again.
Amazon Alexa FAQ
Q.What is the difference between Echo and Alexa?
A. The Amazon Echo is a smart speaker that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home devices and answer questions. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Fire Tablet, you can also use it to control your TV as well as search for content by voice. For example, saying "Alexa, open Netflix" will load up your Netflix app on your TV screen so you can watch shows from there. You can also ask questions about celebrities or sports scores — it'll give you answers in real time.
Q. Can I use my Google Home device with my Amazon account?
A. No. Google Home does not support accounts from third-party services such as Amazon Prime Video (or any other streaming service) at this time. However, if both devices are linked together under one Google account then yes — they can communicate with each other since they're both part of Google's ecosystem but only within certain parameters.
Q. How much does Alexa cost per month?
A. The cost of using Alexa depends on the device you're using, as well as how many services you use. For example, if you have an Echo Dot and only use it for music and weather updates, then your monthly cost will likely be lower than someone who has an Echo Show with access to more services like Prime Video or Music Unlimited.
The price of the device itself is also important — you can get an entry-level Echo Dot for $49.99 or a more expensive model with better audio quality for $149.99 (or less).
Q. Which Alexa device is best?
A. To use Alexa, you need an Amazon device. The most basic is the Echo Dot, which can be used as a standalone speaker or connected to another device. The Amazon Echo and its larger counterpart, the Echo Plus (with a smart home hub built-in), are standalone devices that can also act as speakers for your music library or streaming service of choice (such as Spotify). If you want music without having to buy any additional equipment.
If you're looking for something more interactive than just playing music or podcasts from around the house and want a screen with which to do so (or if there isn't one near where you want Alexa), consider purchasing either:
- The new Echo Show 5 comes with five microphones so it hears better than previous models
- Or go with the larger 10-inch screen on the second generation 1499$/£1499/$1599* Fire TV Cube which features Dolby Atmos surround sound technology.
Q. Which is better Alexa or Google?
A. When it comes to smart home assistants, Alexa is the clear winner. It has more skills and integrations than Google Home — and that's not even considering its other advantages.
Google was the first to market with its smart speaker in 2016, but it's still far behind Amazon when it comes to what you can do with your voice-activated device.
Alexa has over 30,000 skills and counting (compared with Google Assistant's less than 1,000). The Echo Dot costs just $50 while Google Home Mini costs $49 — so if you're looking for something affordable or want more options out of your device then Alexa may be right for you.
Conclusion
Amazon Alexa is a powerful digital assistant that can help you organize your life, control your devices and get answers to questions. The best way to unlock the potential of Alexa is by having an Amazon Echo, which is a smart speaker with built-in microphones and speakers that allow users to interact with voice commands instead of touching buttons or typing on screens. You can use Alexa to check the weather forecast, order groceries from Whole Foods, or listen to music on Spotify — all while sitting in the comfort of your home.
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