Here we look at some functions Alexa users may have yet to explore, including some of the technology’s latest new features.
Tell you who’s inspiring
To celebrate Women’s History Month in March, customers can ask: “Alexa, who inspires you?” to learn about women Alexa admires each day in March.
Take you on an art tour
The Art Museum function is best experienced on an Echo Show device, the company advised.
Find nearest COVID-19 test center
From January, customers in the U.S. have been able to find where they can get a COVID-19 test by asking: “Alexa, where can I get tested for COVID-19?” to hear the nearest COVID test location based on the device’s location setting. You can get more information by saying, “Alexa, call the first one,” to call the phone number to confirm the information provided.
…and COVID-19 vaccine trials happening near you
Get Samuel L. Jackson to tell jokes and more
From September, users have been able to swap Alexa’s voice with that of Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson to get him to tell them jokes, the weather and anything else they’d want to know. To make the switch, customers can just say: “Alexa, introduce me to Samuel L. Jackson” and choose the “Hey Samuel” wake word.
…and have him “get explicit”
Customers can also “hear Samuel get explicit” by asking certain questions such as “Hey Samuel, how many times was the f-word said in Pulp Fiction?” or “Hey Samuel, what do you think of snakes?, among several other queries.
Deliver a hug
Customers in the U.S. can send virtual embraces to their loved ones by saying: “Alexa, send a hug” to share a virtual hug with any of their Alexa contacts.
Read your mind
“For instance, if a customer asks, ‘How long does it take to steep tea?,’ the latent goal could be setting a timer for steeping a cup of tea. With the new capability, Alexa might answer that question by sharing, ‘Five minutes is a good place to start,’ then follow up by asking, ‘Would you like me to set a timer for five minutes?’,” the company explains.
Make calls even if your phone is turned off
Be accessed hands-free from your phone
Users can access Alexa hands-free via their smartphones whenever the Alexa app is open on the phone screen. This allows customers to ask Alexa to perform tasks even when they’re not on their phones such as when they’re running on a treadmill.
Have your lights come on at sunset every night
Have the TV pause automatically when you get up
From November, users have been able to have their Fire TVs automatically pause at specified moments using Alexa Routines.
Let you know when dinner’s ready
Users can also say “Alexa, reply” after hearing an announcement to broadcast a response back to all their Alexa-enabled devices.
Pay for gas
Those with Alexa-enabled vehicles as well as devices like Echo Auto, or simply the Alexa app on an Android or iOS device can pay for their fuel by saying: “Alexa, pay for gas.”
The feature is available at over 11,500 Exxon and Mobil stations across the U.S.
Alert you of break-ins
Through the Alexa Guard feature, currently only available in the U.S., users can be alerted of “potential emergencies in your home while you’re away, and features to deter potential intruders.”
…and call for help
Devices enabled with the Alexa Guard Plus feature, also currently only available in the U.S., customers can get 24/7 access to an emergency helpline using their voice.
Using the Alexa app, customers in the U.S. can also designate one of their contacts as their “emergency contact” who Alexa will call and text when they say “Alexa, call for help,” alerting them that the customer is experiencing an emergency.
Translate in real time
Alexa can now translate words from live conversations taking place in two different languages by stating “Alexa, translate [insert the language].”
The “Live Translation” feature is available for English and French, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese (Brazilian), German, or Italian.
Alexa’s “Multilingual Mode” was also expanded in November to allow users in the U.S., as well as now Europe and Japan, to set their Alexa devices to two languages, combining German, French (France), Italian, Spanish (Spain) or Japanese with U.S. English. Customers can switch to one of these languages by saying: “Alexa, speak [insert language].”
Monitor energy usage
Alexa features an “energy dashboard” that helps users monitor the energy consumption of compatible Alexa-enabled smart home devices.
Sing a song and rap
Share songs with friends in real time
While listening to a song, users can now share the tune with one of their Alexa contacts by simply saying: “Alexa share this song with…”
Recommend next film to watch
Users can now receive personalized recommendations for what movie or series to watch next through a new video homepage by saying: “Alexa, open video home.”
Help you buy sustainable products
From February, customers in the U.S. have been able to say: “Alexa, give me ideas for more sustainable products” or “Alexa, give me Climate Pledge Friendly recommendations,” to hear a list of sustainable items to purchase.
Print documents
Delete everything you’ve said
Reveal its favorite things
Give you a wellness tip for the day
From last June, customers in the U.S., Canada, India, and Australia can now ask: “Alexa, what is my wellness tip of the day?” to access their tip of the day as well as information on various wellness topics including mental health and exercise.
