With each and every year, our homes are becoming smarter and more efficient. How so? Primarily through automation. Whether it’s smart Lutron lighting, smart shades and blinds, automated locks, or interconnected entertainment systems, there’s now so many ways to upgrade your home and catch up to the 21st century.
Of all the new smart home devices, Amazon has developed some of the most advanced and they all come together with Amazon’s Alexa. Compatible on countless devices, this voice automation technology can make your home more efficient, accessible, and fun than ever. Alexa can tell you the weather, check a fun fact, or even make an order for you. As this technology continues to develop, there’s no telling what Alexa will be able to do for you in the years to come.
Automating your home with Alexa is easy and convenient as it works on many different devices, from televisions, stereos, to even your blinds and lights. Here, we take a closer look at how to automate your home with Alexa and all the smart home perks offered by this voice automation technology.
WHAT IS AMAZON’S ALEXA?
If nothing else, Alexa by Amazon is popular. According to reports, there are currently over 100 million Alexa devices already sold. But what, exactly, is this technology? Amazon’s Alexa is a cloud-based voice service that allows you to seek out information, access entertainment, and seamlessly interact and control countless digital devices. You can bring Alexa into your home with either Amazon’s Echo or Dot devices, and from there, you’re just one simple set-up away from all that Alexa can do for you and your home.
WHAT CAN ALEXA DO?
The better question might just be: what can’t Alexa do? From entertainment, lights, to catching up with friends, Alexa is as versatile as smart home tech comes. Here are just some of the most popular things Amazon’s Alexa can do for you:
1. Entertainment
Alexa not only integrates with your favorite entertainment devices, but this voice technology can also bring the best entertainment right into your home. Many people love using Alexa as a personal stereo, and with Amazon Music, you have instant access to a huge library of songs, radio stations, podcasts, and audiobooks.
2. Smart Home
Alexa was designed to make your home more efficient, convenient, and at the end of the day, more fun. Alexa integrates with a variety of other smart home devices, including lights, plugs, thermostats, and cameras, to give you effortless control over the devices in your home. Alexa is especially useful when you have a lot of devices at home as it allows you to access and control each device from one location.
3. Shopping
As the world’s largest online retailer, it only makes sense that Amazon’s Alexa would allow you to shop. Pair your Dot or Echo with your Amazon account and make any purchase you can imagine. This is also a great way to stay stocked up on house supplies and stay organized. Simply say, “Alexa, reorder dish soap” and save yourself a trip to the store. Alexa can also help you make informed shopping decisions by comparing prices and telling you all about the newest products.
4. Communication
Using your phone to make a call is a thing of the past. With Alexa, you can call anyone and have a complete conversation with crystal-clear voice technology. You can also use Alexa as a two-way intercom between if any of your friends or family also have an Echo or Dot.
5. Organization
Are you having trouble keeping your life in order? Aren’t we all? Well, Amazon’s Alexa is here to help. Alexa can set alarms, timers, and daily reminders to keep your daily life organized. Worried about missing a big deadline or someone’s birthday? Alexa can integrate with your calendar to ensure you’ll never miss another big moment.
HOW TO AUTOMATE YOUR HOME WITH ALEXA
First, you’ll need to purchase an Amazon Alexa device, such as the Amazon Echo or the Amazon Dot. These devices function as the “hub” for your new voice assistant. Next, download the Echo or Dot app to your smartphone, computer, or tablet, which is the way you’ll control the device.
Then, you need to determine which device you want synced with Alexa. As previously mentioned, Alexa can integrate with a wide range of smart devices, from televisions, stereos, to even the locks on your front door. Most of these devices will also have an app that controls them, which, if you love technology, can quickly clutter up your phone or computer and make smart living a bit of a hassle.
This is another reason why you should consider automating your home with Alexa. No matter how many smart devices you have, Alexa allows complete consolidation, meaning full control over every device from just one central location. Talk about convenience.
Once you’ve selected the device, use your Alexa app to find the appropriate skill to control the device. Click “enable” and the devices will automatically pair, giving you complete control of your smart home devices through Alexa, which is even easier than the touch of a button. Since Alexa is a fully automated voice technology, the sound of your voice is all you’ll need to enjoy the convenience of your smart home.
Once you’ve set up Alexa with other devices, you can reach a further degree of personalization by renaming any device. For example, if Alexa controls the lights throughout the home, you may want to rename each one for a specific room or rename each automatic lock for which door it controls.
CONCLUSION – AUTOMATING YOUR HOME WITH ALEXA
Smart home technology is the future. Whether it’s interconnected entertainment systems, advanced security systems, or automated lights, digital technology is revolutionizing our lives at home. Reports predict that, by 2023, there will be over 300 million smart homes, and as technology becomes more sophisticated and affordable, that number will only surely grow.
If you currently have smart devices in your home, or you’re curious about this new wave of technology, consider automating your home with Alexa. This voice automation technology is one of the easiest ways to integrate the various smart devices in your living space and make smart home living easier than ever.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.