These three essential Alexa Skills for summer will help you enjoy the warmer days by the beach, backyard, or neighborhood pool.
Well, crew, we did it. We officially made it to that all-important marker: the first day of summer. This Tuesday, June 21, came and went without much fanfare, but for those of you who love the sun, beach, and backyard pool, this is our time.
In order to make the most of these fleeting days, let Alexa help you relax a little. You may know about some of these skills already, but we’ve hand-selected a few to help you soak in the summer. Put the phone down, remember to ask Alexa for a book recommendation, and make the most of these warmer days.
Your Package Has Arrived!
Your Alexa-enabled device has always been configurable with various home security systems and doorbells. Now, those details are even more specific. If configured the right way, Alexa can tell you when a package arrived.
When that happens, you get a notification and can pull up footage of the event on a supported device. You can even set up an Alexa Routine for when the package gets there. This Routine can do any number of actions.
These actions include turning on a porch light or providing some communication directly to you or any other person. This can make it much easier if you are at the beach and expecting a package: You’ll now get automatic notifications.
Follow Your Favorite Baseball Team
If you’re a fan of America’s pastime sport, then we have good news for you: You can now follow your favorite baseball team (or any sports team, for that matter) with a little help from Alexa.
All you have to do is say, “Alexa, follow the New York Yankees.” You will then get scores, news, schedule notifications, and more. This is a great way to stay in touch with any sports team without ever having to pull out your phone.
Additionally, you can access MLB audio on Amazon Alexa. Just ask Alexa to play a game. For example, you can say “Alexa, ask MLB to play the Red Sox game.” Honestly, it’s hard to beat summer days, grilling some hot dogs and burgers, while listening to a good old-fashioned rivalry.
Reply Right to Texts
You’ve always been able to set up Alexa to give you additional notifications when a VIP reaches out to you via a phone call, email, or text. Those features are about to get even more specific and functional.
Now, you’ll be able to easily respond to text messages from your VIPs. Alexa will also share notifications from your VIP contacts with other supported smart devices — including your Echo Buds, Frames, or Auto.
So, let’s say you are enjoying gorgeous summer weather outdoors: If you have an Alexa near you, you’ll be able to respond to texts right from the unit.
Using the example above, let’s say the hot dogs and burgers are done and you have your hands full but you get a text from a family member. Now you’ll be able to let them know dinner is ready and it’s time to come home.
These are just a few of the ways that Alexa can help you “unplug” and enjoy summer. Put these voice assistants to work for you so you can focus on what really matters: family, friends, and that warm summer feeling.