Amazon Echo: 5 important things to know

If you’ve just received your first Amazon Echo device, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are five important things to know.

Just got a new Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Dot with Watch or Echo Show and don’t know what to do? You may know that a device can play music, tell you the weather, act as an alarm clock, but the Amazon Alexa voice assistant can do so many different things that it can all be quite overwhelming for beginners.

For example, Alexa can act as a speaker, order home goods, turn on the lights, and even serve as a security camera for your home. And that’s not to mention that you can make calls and send text messages through the Echo speaker, or even a voice prompt to someone else’s speaker – of course, with their permission.

1. Find a good place in the house for the Echo

The first thing to do after unpacking the device is to plug it in. And when you only have one Echo speaker, it doesn’t need to be placed anywhere. You need to make sure it is in the center where your voice will be heard from most rooms such as the kitchen or living room.

2. Manage the simplest things

Now that you’ve connected your Echo, it’s time to tackle the most basic tasks. This includes downloading the Alexa app and setting up your location to get accurate weather forecasts.

We also encourage you to take the time to create a voice profile for each family member. While you can set this up at any time, Alexa recognizes voices for a personalized experience. For example, when Alexa recognizes your voice, it can play the music you like, give you news based on your interests, and if you want to call someone, the assistant will check your own address book.

You can also set up voice shopping to quickly and easily order items you’re used to buying. To do this, you also need to enable one-click commands in the app’s settings. Don’t forget to set a password so that you can only order in this way. Configuration items can be found under Settings > Account Settings > Voice Buy.

3. Use voice commands to perform complex actions

Every action you want Alexa to perform requires a voice command. For example, play music, control speaker volume, create to-do lists. Just say “Alexa, turn down the volume”or “Alexa, add coffee to my shopping list.”

You can also communicate with Alexa using text messages instead of voice. Open the Alexa app and tap the Keyboard button in the top left corner.

You can also change the wake word for Alexa. You can choose Echo, Computer, Amazon, Ziggy or something else. Say “Alexa, change the wake up word”and make your choice.

4. Control connected devices with your Echo speaker.

Do you want the lights to turn on when you get home at night? If you have lights or switches connected, you can control them through the Alexa app. It’s life changing.

Other devices can be controlled perfectly. This applies to connected locks, thermostats, robotic vacuum cleaners, etc.

5. Call, text and log in with Alexa

Lost your phone at home again? Don’t panic, you don’t need it anyway, as Alexa can call and text for you. – And Alexa can even help you find it, anyway. Just say “Alexa, call your mom”or “Alexa, text Zoe.”For this to work, the contacts must be in your address book.

You can also use your Echo speaker to visit friends who have added you as an authorized contact. To do this, say “Alexa, look at dad.”