Essential Alexa Voice-Control Skills That Can Help Make Your Life Easier

Alexa, the voice assistant technology developed by Amazon and first used in Amazon’s family of Echo smart speakers and then the Echo Dot, Echo Studio, Amazon Tap speakers, and other smart displays. Alexa comes packed with enormous capabilities users might not be completely taking advantage of. From playing the news to running timers to streaming music, the virtual assistant technology was built to bring ease and comfort to you. Along with this numerous advantage comes Alexa’s not-so-secret weapon, the ability to add new skills. There are around 100,000 skills you can add to Alexa from controlling smart devices in your home to getting wine pairing recommendations. Here are 15 skills, you can teach your voice assistance right away.

Listen to audiobooks with Audible

The Audible skill is automatically enabled in the Alexa skill library. You can have read an audiobook read aloud and clear to you. Works smoothly especially when you already own the Audible book, also say “Alexa, what’s free from Audible?” There’s a free book each month, Alexa can help you reach it.

Control your lights with Philips Hue

This skill presents you with the best reasons to opt for smart lights, in other to gain control over them by voice. After users must have taken time to install the Hue Bridge and add one or more lights to their home, then it’s time to enable the Hue skill from the Alexa skills library. To do that simply say “Alexa, turn on the kitchen light,” voila just like magic, and there is light.

Protect your home with Alexa Guard

Alexa Guard delivers advantages that help you protect your home as it makes use of the microphone built into your Echo devices to listen for signs of a break-in when you are away. To enable this feature in your home, simply say “Alexa, I’m leaving” and disable it with, “Alexa, I’m home.” – It’s as simple as that. Users also have the advantage to customize the way it works using the Alexa mobile app. You can find more details provided hereby Amazon

Use Alexa as an intercom with Drop-in

Like an intercom, the call starts right away, you can simply use Drop-In to call another Alexa device right in another room. But first of all, you need to enable Drop-In before you can use it. To do that, open the Alexa mobile app and make a tap on More, then Settings, then Communication and then tap Enhanced Features. Simply make a swipe at the button to enable the feature. Then you can call another room by saying “Alexa, drop in on [the kitchen].”

Get wine pairing advice

If you don’t know much about wine, then the Wine Pairing skill is something you might want to enable in your Alexa’s skills library and then ask things like “Alexa, ask wine pairing for a wine to go with lasagna.” Alexa is guaranteed to give you a few options and even what price range you’ll find.

With MyPetDoc, you can get veterinary help

The automated veterinarian AI makes the MyPetDoc skill give answers to all your pet health questions. After enabling the skill in Alexa’s skill library, just say, “Alexa, start My Pet Doc” and then the questions before Alexa can explain your pet’s symptoms. Also has an option to connect you to a live veterinarian (at a fee).

Control your Xbox

Enable the Xbox skill in Alexa’s skills library and link to the console by signing in with your Microsoft account. There are a lot of commands you can give your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, so to get an overview, say, “Alexa, ask Xbox what can I say.”

Find out how your steak is doing with Meater

Enable the Meater app in Alexa’s skills library to check on the cook from anywhere in the house. Gives you the ability to find out how much longer your dinner will take or find out the temperature inside your meat. Say “Alexa, ask Meater how long does my chicken need?” or “Alexa, ask Meater the temperature of my steak.” Works with a Meater wireless meat thermometer.

Keep kids happy with Alexa games

Alexa knows a lot of games and can’t wait to spill all the answers but first, you need to enable the Magic Door in Alexa’s skills library.

Never lose your phone with Find My Phone

Enabling the Find My Phone skill in Alexa’s skills library by saying “Alexa, find my phone” and you can be guaranteed Alexa will call your phone. It’s advisable you set the skill first before you use the Find My Phone skill. Alexa will need to carry out some verification by texting a four-digit security number to your phone which as a user you’ll need to read back. So don’t lose your phone first before you set this skill up.

Order a pizza from Domino’s

Are you a pizza lover or your loved ones are, yes the Domino’s skill is one of the skills in the Alexa collection waiting for you. Enable the Domino’s skill in Alexa’s skills library and follow the instructions to link it to your Domino’s account.

Lock your front door with August

For users that have their doors equipped with August smart locks, this is for you. You can simply lock, unlock, and check the status of the door using your voice. Enable August Smart Home in Alexa’s skills library to enjoy the seamless security check advantages.

Stay fit with the 7-Minute Workout

Thorough workout skills are right at your fingertips as you follow the customizable, guided workout protocol Alexa is offering. Enable the 7-Minute Workout in Alexa’s skills library, and take advantage of the 3 available options you can be part of – the low-impact, standard, and advanced when you perform the initial setup.

Get first aid from the Mayo Clinic

Accidental situations often come with a lot of confusion and disorientation, don’t be a victim enable the Mayo Clinic First Aid skill that guarantees you get fast answers when this situation occurs. In a situation, if the skill doesn’t have answers to your question, it will recommend dialing 911 in case of emergency.

Keep track of your steps with Fitbit

Keeping fit takes away the extra pound weight, your voice assistant technology can connect your Fitbit to Alexa by enabling the Fitbit skill. Once connected, you can get answers to questions on how you’re performing with sleep, how many steps are taken, etc.