On this episode of Alexa Cast, we're diving into the world of smart home devices and routines. We'll explore the basics of getting started with routines, finding inspiration within the Alexa app's pre-made templates, and customizing routines to suit individual needs.

Dave shares insightful tips and tricks, such as utilizing Fire TV actions to add to your routines and incorporating a "DND" (do not disturb) technique during reading time. We'll also discuss the usefulness of routines, including morning and nighttime routines, screen time tracking, and more. Join us for an informative and entertaining episode that will leave you eager to explore the possibilities of creating routines with Alexa."

Fire TV

Amazon Alexa Page

Alexa Routines Page on Amazon

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Today is Prime Day in cases you didn't know. If you're not sure what Amazon Prime is, it's a program where you get free shipping and so much more. More Information (aff link)

Speaker Groups

You can set up different speakers to be a group. I set up an "Everywhere" group where every device is set to it. Then I set up my notifications to be announced "everywhere."

This way instead of having my notification only be on the device on my desk, if I'm in the kitchen I will be notified on the device in the kitchen (and living room, etc).

Alexa can even send notifications to your phone (great if you're not home). 

In the app, you can have it turn on the "yellow circle" if you miss the notification.

Prime Deals on Amazon Products MORE INFORMATION (AFF LINK)

Mentioned in this episode:

Power of Podcasting Network

Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com

Power of Podcasting

While Amazon Prime Day is October 13th there are also some really cool deals in the Smart Home area and plugs, cameras, echo and other devices are having their prices slashed. Expect to hear a little more from me over the next few days. 

CHECK OUT THESE DEALS

Mentioned in this episode:

Power of Podcasting Network

Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com

Power of Podcasting

• The screen now swivels and follows you. 
• 13-megapixel camera.
• Brushless motor - silent

Check it out on Amazon

• Latest release of our best-selling streaming device - 50% more powerful than previous gen for fast streaming in Full HD. Includes Alexa Voice Remote with power and volume buttons.
• Less clutter, more control - Alexa Voice Remote lets you use your voice to search and launch shows across apps. Plus, control power and volume on your TV and soundbar with a single remote.
• Home theater audio with Dolby Atmos - Feel scenes come to life with immersive Dolby Atmos audio on select titles with compatible home audio systems.
• Tens of thousands of channels, Alexa skills, and apps - Including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and HBO. Subscription fees may apply.
• 500,000+ movies and TV episodes - With thousands included in your Prime membership.
• Live TV - Watch your favorite live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others.
• Free TV - Access over 20,000 free movies and TV shows from apps like IMDb TV, Tubi, Pluto TV and more

Check out the new Fire Stick TV

The new spherical version has a better speaker, an optional clock, and a kids version.

Check out the Echo Dot on Amazon

Amazon's cloud gaming service where it's easy to play great games on devices you already own.

More information

Group Calling - makes it easier to call a group (family, friends). Alexa call (name of group)

Zoom Meetings and Amazon Chime - Just say, “Alexa, join my Zoom meeting,” or “Alexa, start my Chime meeting,” to join a video meeting on select Echo Show devices.

Video Effects - Cause you need bubbles in your 10 AM meeting...

Care Hub - Stay in touch with aging family members so they can say Alexa, call for help and have it come to you.

Gaurd Plus - Play dog or siren sounds if someone breaks in. Subscribe and have Alexa call for help.

Increased Privacy - Alexa, delete everything I've said.

Food Planning - Plan meals for the week by adding items to your Whole Foods Market or Amazon Fresh cart, and once your delivery arrives, ask, “Alexa, what's for dinner” to see personalized recipes based on what you just had delivered.

Sound Detectors - Example: create a Routine that turns the light on in the bedroom to help you wake up when Alexa detects the sound of a baby crying, or one that turns on white noise when your partner starts to snore at night.

Netflix- Coming soon

Music Sharing - Alexa, share this song with (name). They can listen through the Alexa App

Reading Sidekick - Let Alexa teach your kids to read.

Alexa Profile For Kids - She switches to recognizes and switches to "kid mode" when she detects a child on all devices.

Mentioned in this episode:

Power of Podcasting Network

Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com

Power of Podcasting

Originally I thought I was going to be able to take this Echo with a screen and watch YouTube, Apple+ Amazon Prime, and all the other video items I do on a Fire TV stick. While you can it's not as easy. 

The video on the Echo Show is more for video calls. They do make it easy for the Food channel (which is great if you have the unit in the kitchen). It also has what appears to be a Hulu app. If you want YouTube you have to open a browser (so again, not as easy as a Fire TV system). 

I do like it when I ask to see my calendar it puts it up on the screen. This is the same with my grocery list, flash briefing items, and more. I purchased this for the kitchen but it ended up in my bedroom. At first, I thought I was going to have to manually turn the brightness down, but it turns out if you turn the lights off in your room, the Echo Show can figure this out and it dims automatically, and makes the clock much bigger. 

There are other things you can have scroll on the screen. I have uploaded some photographs to my Amazon account and these can be rotated throughout the screen. If you had someone in a nursing home, you could set this up to share images on their screen (assuming you are controlling their account). 

I also was amazed at the sound quality of the speakers in the Echo Show 8. It has some bottom-end for such little speakers and it has some volume. All in all, I'm happy with it, and already thinking of getting another one. 

Originally I was going to get an Echo Spot, but for just a little more money the Echo Show is a much better deal I feel. 

If you like the show tell a friend or consider donating to support the show.

Mentioned in this episode:

Power of Podcasting Network

Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com

Power of Podcasting

I love reminders. I have a Monday morning meeting. I have it setup (via the app) to remind me every Monday 10 minutes before the meeting. That reminder is announced in my office. What if I'm not in my office? I might miss the alarm. 

To get started, open the Alexa app on your phone and select Reminders & Alarms from the menu. Tap Reminders and select Add Reminder. Then type what you want Alexa to remind you about, as well as the date and time you'd like the announcement to be made. Tap Announces From and select All Devices. Now when you set a reminder, Alexa will broadcast it across all your Echo speakers.

Dropping in on all devices can be helpful when you're out of the house and need to quickly talk to someone at home (you can do this through the Alexa app), For example, if you want to have a discussion with your family about what to have for dinner. When you're out, you have no idea what room of the house someone is in, so take the guesswork out and drop in on all of them. 

Just say, "Alexa, drop in on all devices" to get started. 

Do consider going to www.alexacast.com and using the links on the site. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Power of Podcasting Network

Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com

Power of Podcasting

Thie Fitbit Versa 2 is an amazing piece of technology. It's a smartwatch that elevates every moment. Use your voice to create alarms, set bedtime reminders or check the weather with Amazon Alexa built-in. Take your look from the gym to the office with its modern and versatile design. See your stats with an always-on display mode. In addition, get Fitbit pay, daily sleep quality scores, apps, notifications, 24/7 heart rate and store 300+ songs for an experience that revolves around you.

Check it out at https://amzn.to/2yVABmP

Mentioned in this episode:

Power of Podcasting Network

Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com

Power of Podcasting

You can now ask Alexa remember things for you. All you have to say is "Alexa remember ______" and she will make you confirm and that's it. 

So this could be birthdays, shirt sizes, where the extra blankets are, what wiper blades to use on the volvo, etc. 

I don't see where you can edit these, so I'm not sure if you accidentally say Grandma's birthday is March 17th when it's really April 17th. I don't see any place in the app to update these. 

There is also now the ability to Alexa more questions without having to say her name. 

You can turn this on by going into the app, clicking on your device and turning on "follow up mode." This appears to keep her "listening" for about five seconds after she answers you. 

So you can say, "Alexa add eggs to the shopping list, and she would reply and you could then add, "Add Milk to the shopping list" without having to say, Alexa before each item.

Lennar (the largest homebuilder in the US) announced Wednesday that standard features in its new homes will include built-in Wi-Fi, smart locks, doorbells, thermostats, and lights — all controlled by Alexa, Amazon’s voice-activated digital assistant.

Each house will come with two Alexa-enabled smart speakers, an Echo Show and an Echo Dot. New homeowners will also get a free visit from an Amazon technician to help set everything up and teach them how to use it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Power of Podcasting Network

Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com

Power of Podcasting