Get all of the tips you need with VoiceBrew’s Alexa Guide!
This Alexa guide is a great place to start if you’re visiting VoiceBrew for the first time. You’ll learn all about Alexa, the various Amazon Alexa devices on the market, and tips and tricks for how to make the most of your new smart home assistant.
What is Alexa?
Alexa is the name of Amazon’s virtual assistant, just like how Siri is synonymous with Apple devices. This virtual assistant is built into Amazon smart home devices, like the Echo Dot, Echo Show, Amazon Firestick, and more.
Alexa can perform a lot of different tasks, including setting alarms and timers, playing your favorite song, answering questions (“Alexa, how many teaspoons are in one cup?”), telling you how long it will take to drive to work, and so much more!
And while Alexa enabled devices have a wide range of capabilities, when coupled with add-on Alexa skills, Alexa has the ability to do so much more — from completely customizing your smart home experience to offering up super fun Alexa games.
Ok, but which Alexa device is right for me?
There are a few options when it comes to Alexa-enabled speakers, and it can be really confusing if you’re navigating this space for the first time! You have the following devices to choose from:
- Classic: Echo
- A smaller variety: Echo Dot, Echo Dot Kids Edition, Echo Dot with Clock
- Visual: Echo Show
- For the audiophile: Echo Studio
- On the go: Echo Buds
- On the road: Echo Auto
But how do you know which Amazon Alexa device is right for you? I’ve written a comprehensive Alexa Guide to walk you through the selection process. This guide discusses the pros and cons of each device, which is a VoiceBrew preferred pick, and will help you select the perfect device for your space and habits.
I have my new Alexa device, now what?
First, you’ll want to get your device set up correctly. This is an easy process and takes less than five minutes! Assuming you bought an Echo device (like an Echo Dot or Echo Show), you can follow these instructions to get your device ready for use:
- Download the Amazon Alexa App for your smartphone: you can find it in your app store by searching for Amazon Alexa
- Plug in your Echo device
- Wait for Alexa to boot up: she’ll greet you!
- Tap/click on the hamburger icon in the Alexa App
- Tap/click “Add Device”
- Select “Amazon Echo”
- Choose your device
- Continue following the on-screen instructions for your specific device
VoiceBrew’s Alexa Guides give you the 411 on Alexa How-To
Now that you’ve set up your new device, make the most of it! A great place to start is VoiceBrew 22, which covers the 22 best uses for Alexa right now. Plus, it’s updated regularly, so come back and see what’s new!
Looking for specific guides? Start here:
- Learn more about Philips Hue smart home lights
- Smart vacuum your cares away with the Roomba-Alexa integration
- Find and play your favorite Spotify playlist
- Set up a morning Alexa routine
- Learn more about Alarms and Timers
- If you’re a teacher, don’t miss Alexa in the Classroom!
VoiceBrew: Get more out of your Alexa Device with tips delivered straight to your inbox
VoiceBrew was created to help people get more out of their Amazon Alexa devices. Whether you’re just setting up your first Alexa device, or are a seasoned pro looking for advanced tips, VoiceBrew can help.
I love Alexa but realized that most people weren’t familiar with all of the capabilities available in every device! With VoiceBrew, you’ll have access to comprehensive how-to guides that cover basic set-up all the way to more advanced routines.
Wondering what devices work with Alexa? I cover that, too in VoiceBrew Alexa smart home guides. Ready to get started? Sign up for the VoiceBrew newsletter today.