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Alexa is a voice-controlled virtual assistant created by Amazon. This smart assistant can take control of your smart home. This smart assistant can also execute your commands or answer your questions.

History of Alexa Smart Assistant

 Amazon started working on the Amazon Echo in 2011. The company did not intend to use Alexa Assistant to control smart homes. Still, with the development of artificial intelligence and the development of Alexa, the company considered using Alexa in smart homes. Finally, in November 2014, Amazon unveiled the Echo smart speaker. The initial version of this speaker was a 23.5 cm long cylinder, which is ready to operate by calling the device name (Alexa). One of the features of Alexa Voice Assistant is to rename the device. You can also rename Alexa to Amazon or Echo. 

The motto Amazon has chosen for the Echo Smart Speaker is: “Just ask.”

Launch of Alexa Smart Speaker

This section will teach you how to activate Amazon Voice Assistant. This step-by-step tutorial is for Android and iPhone smartphones.

1. Download the Alexa application: To launch the Alexa voice assistant, you must download and install the Alexa application. You can download the Alexa app from google play for Android phones and the App Store for iPhones. After downloading, wait for the application to be installed.
2. Creating an Alexa account: If you have an Alexa account, enter your account information from the “sign-in” section; otherwise, you will have to create a new account. To create a new account, first, click on “CREATE A NEW AMAZON ACCOUNT” and then click on “I’m Something Else.” Finally, the Alexa application will ask you for access to send you a notification. If you want Alexa to send you a notification, click on the “ALLOW” option; otherwise, click on the “LATER” option…
3. Connecting the device to the power supply: Connect the Alexa smart speaker to the power supply to turn the light red. The device then gives you a message in English: “Hello, your device is ready to launch. Just follow the instructions in the Alexa program.”

4. Add a new device: In the lower menu of the Alexa application, click on the “Devices” option, and in the new page, click on the “+” icon at the top right, and from the menu that opens, select the “Add Device” option. Select. Select the “Amazon Echo” option in the new menu, then select the “Echo SMART SPEAKERS” subgroup.

5. Connecting the speaker to the app: At this point, the app will ask you if the orange light on the device is on or not? If the device’s orange light is on, click “YES”; otherwise, click “No” and then hold the “action” button for a few seconds to change the color of the Alexa speaker. Then click the “continue” button.
6. Internet connection: The program displays a list of devices near you, and in this list, you must find and select your device. After doing this, the application will ask you to connect it to your home Wi-Fi. Select the Wi-Fi network that you want Alexa to connect. If the Wi-Fi network has a password, the device will ask you to enter it.
7. Location: In the last step, the device will ask you for your location or skip this step by pressing the “SKIP” button. In the next step, you can enter your address so that Alexa Assistant can give you the weather or suggestions based on this address. The device tells you that it is ready to execute your voice commands by saying, “your Echo is ready.”

* Alexa Voice Assistant installation steps are the same for all Amazon devices.

Amazon Alexa, more simply known as Alexa, is a voice assistant with artificial intelligence. In 2014, Amazon unveiled a cylindrical speaker called the Echo. This speaker was able to hear voice commands and play them. Many people know that there is a tool called Alexa, but they are not familiar with its uses and how it works. Alexa can receive and execute your commands by voice using artificial intelligence and voice commands like Alexa Assistant.

This device has various features such as music playback, to-do list, alarm setting, podcast playback, Broadcast audiobooks, and provides weather information, traffic, sports, and much more. Most Alexa-compatible devices allow the user to activate the device using a word such as Alexa or Amazon. Some cell phones also allow users to define a word to activate Alexa themselves. In the rest of this article, we will take a closer look at Alexa, its applications, and other extraordinary features.

What is Alexa?

It is enough for most people to know that Alexa obeys their commands through voice commands. But we want to go beyond that and focus more on Alexa applications and how to work with them. As mentioned, Alexa does various tasks for you, such as playing music, making to-do lists, setting alarms, playing podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, sports, and more.

If you are a little careful, all these things can be done by a mobile phone. The result is interesting here that you do not need to go to the mobile phone every time to do these things, and all this can be done only by talking and voice commands. Using voice assistant Alexa, You can connect various tools to it and do the work related to that device with the help of Alexa via voice command. Alexa Voice Service (AVS) is a voice recognition and natural language comprehension service. Amazon, the developer site, says that Alexa is getting smarter by learning new features through artificial intelligence. While Alexa is the official name of Amazon Voice Assistant, you can also use the word you use to activate Alexa for your computer or Echo, which belongs to Amazon.

Why Alexa?

Apple has Siri, Google has Google Home, which is activated by saying, “OK, Google.” Amazon has a similar product called Alexa, which has many applications. The history of using the name Alexa goes back to the Library of Alexandria, which tried to gather knowledge from the world. Amazon wants to do the same. Alexa is always learning, but in theory, it should also have access to a source of information.

Amazon has chosen the name Alexa because it contains the unusual letter X. Amazon wants to use words not semantically related to other words. The device does not start by accident. Amazon has gone through many stages to produce this product. At first glance, we look at Amazon’s Alexa speaker like a speaker seems simple. But behind this speaker, there is a  smart computer that receives and executes your voice commands with the help of machine language. If you have Alexa or Echo, you can be sure that it is activated just by hearing the word Alexa and you can use it.

Where can Alexa be used?

The motto Amazon has chosen for Alexa is, “Just ask.” This sentence tells us that to get things done, ask Alexa, and Alexa will execute your command as soon as possible. Alexa has several microphones at the top. You can recognize your voice from any angle you speak, and you can execute that command as soon as the sound is heard. If the environment is not too crowded, the sound is detected by Alexa very quickly.

However, if the environment is crowded and there are extra noises, the sound recognition process is difficult, and the device may malfunction. Once the sound is detected, the side microphones facing the sound focus on the sound, and the extra ambient sounds are removed. So the voice recognition process is much better. Alexa can be used almost anywhere, home, work, office, and many other places. Alexa needs a device that integrates audio technology. Devices like Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show do it for you. The amount of light in rooms, refrigerators, washing machines, washing machines, televisions, and all the smart devices that support Alexa can be controlled by Alexa.

Can Alexa understand every word?

Understanding different accents is a big issue. But Alexa has alleviated that concern. In addition to understanding English, the program communicates with the dialects of the United States, Britain, Canada, and India and French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Japanese. Of course, this does not mean that it does not examine the rest of the dialects in any way. Slowly). This technology has an incredibly strong intelligence, so there is nothing more frustrating than when Alexa says, “I’m sorry, I did not understand the question I heard.

How to set up the Alexa system?

When you first started Amazon Echo, you set up Alexa through voice training. In the Alexa app, tap the menu icon in the upper left corner, select Settings, and tap Voice Tutorial. In this section, you will be asked to record your common commands, such as “Alexa mute music.” You can repeat all the phrases or the whole conversation.

Alexa keeps a copy of every conversation you have, and you can see what Alexa has heard from you. The app asks you to verify whether it heard it correctly, which also helps Amazon learn how to improve the app’s voice recognition.

In Alexa, you can change the word Alexa to Amazon, Echo, or Computer instead of using it yourself ( Alexa is available for Android, iOS, Fire OS, and desktop browsers).

Does Alexa eavesdrop at any time ?!

Not completely! Amazon Echo is always waiting to hear its word (Alexa) and only listens to your words after you call it. It immediately sends a copy of the conversation after its name that you called to Alexa, which is a cloud. Examine it and issue an executive order to Amazon Echo.

If you do not want all your requests to be saved in Alexa, you can delete your recordings. Amazon warns that doing so may impair Echo accuracy in the future, as the device learns what to do from your recordings.

Additionally, if you do not trust Alexa eavesdropping, you can tap the microphone button at the top of the Echo to turn it off completely.

What do the colors of the Amazon Echo ring mean?

 Amazon Echo Ring Colors with Alexa 

The top ring of the Amazon Echo glows and pulses in different colors, which indicates its performance.

The blue Echo indicates that he is just waking up and listening.

When you come across a turquoise ribbon, it indicates that Echo is processing your request.

The yellow light indicates that the Echo is connected to Wi-Fi.

But purple means that the device has encountered a configuration error.

When changing the volume, the top of the Echo is white and red when you turn off the microphone.

Reading our guide to all Alexa lights will help you better understand this issue. 

Can Amazon Echo make a phone call?

Yes, like drinking water!

After Alexa accesses your contacts and confirms your phone number in the Alexa app, ask them to call you by name or phone number (don’t forget your area code). You can call with an Echo compatible device or mobile or landline. Just as easily!

Also, if you have Echo Show and Echo Spot devices, you can make video calls with other devices compatible with Echo or Alexa. And you can cut the video after the call starts by saying “video off” or tapping the device or app button.

 If you do not have enough information about Amazon Echo Show and Amazon Echo Spot, click! 

Can I use Alexa as an alarm clock or play any sound?

 Sure you can!

Alexa can act as a timer on any device, such as cooking or exercising. There are several ringtones to choose from in the Alexa app to use as your alarm sound.

You can also instruct Alexa to drop music from its playlists and start a specific song or play music by genre, artist, or album. Alexa audio feature allows you to pause, skip, change, repeat, or send to your favorite playlists. You can even ask Alexa to play music for a certain period or to give details about the song, artist, or album being played. 

 You can send music via your phone, tablet, computer and laptop, or control the music via voice commands (pause, play, etc.).

Can Alexa control other smart home devices?

The goal of Alexa technology is to provide personal comfort – in any environment – with smart devices!

Amazon Echo can control hundreds of smart home products via voice commands. WeMo plugs and Philips Hue bulbs to smart thermostats and home security cameras, including Netgear Arlo and Ring Video Doorbells. It can also be several smart home centers, including:

Connect Samsung SmartThings, Nexia, Wink, and Insteon as well.

Can Alexa also control the smart lock?

Alexa is also very effective in providing home security because many large smart locks are compatible with Alexa, including August Smart Lock (2nd Gen), Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt, and Yale Real Living Key-Free Touchscreen Deadbolt. You can tell Alexa to lock or unlock the doors and check the condition.

Types of Amazon Alexa Available:

Since the launch of Amazon Alexa, several versions have been released, which can be named as follows:

 Amazon Echo: It can be said that the first Echo Dot produced by Amazon was introduced in 2016. This model of voice assistant, known as the Amazon Echo, is the original voice assistant, about the size of a hockey ball, which can do whatever the user likes.              

1.  Amazon Echo Look:

The first version of this voice assistant was released in 2017. This device has a 7 -inch screen and a 5 – megapixel camera.

The display of this device can perform things such as displaying additional information, making video calls, and playing videos. The next version of this product was presented in 2018 with a 10 -inch screen size and more advanced features.

1.  Amazon Echo Spot:

Amazon originally produced this product in 2017, which is similar to the Echo Assistant with a 2.5-inch circular screen, which makes it very similar to colored watches.

1. Echo Plus:

In 2017, another example of Amazon Alexa voice assistant was introduced by Amazon, which has additional capabilities such as the wireless connection of smart devices in the home to control devices with the user’s voice command.

In 2018, a newer version of this device was introduced to users with the same feature as before but with a temperature sensor.

1. Echo Auto:

This product is an advanced version of the original voice assistant, equipped with an additional output port and a volume rocker, mostly used for in-car use.

1. Amazon Echo Sub:

This type of Alexa is essentially a subwoofer, which can be connected to other speakers, giving the user a better audio experience with more advanced and improved sounds while listening to music or watching their favorite movies and videos.

What are Alexa Voice Assistant compatible devices?

To use Alexa, you must use a device compatible with audio technology; We usually mean one of the Amazon products such as Echo, EcoDate, or Echo. This personal voice assistant is also compatible with Echo Auto, Amazon Fire TV, and other devices; Devices such as the Ecobee Switch + light switch, LG InstaView refrigerator, and Sonos One speaker mentioned above. Someone has even programmed Big Mouth singer Billy Bass to work with Alexa’s voice assistant!

Alexa has also become the center of many smart home systems; Such as Wink, SmartThings, and Logitech Harmony. You can use this voice assistant to build your smart home gradually; Because Alexa can also pair with decentralized devices such as WeMo switches and Nest thermometers.

Here are some of the best Alexa home devices that support Alexa.

What are the best speakers/monitors compatible with Alexa Voice Assistant? Echo Dot – Echo Plus 2 – Echo Show 8

What are the best lights compatible with Alexa Voice Assistant? Philips Hue – Lutron Caséta in-wall dimmers

What is the best smart socket compatible with the Alexa voice assistant? Wemo Mini smart plug

What are the best thermometers compatible with Alexa Voice Assistant? Ecobee4 – Honeywell Lyric – Johnson’s Glass thermostat

 

What are the best smart locks compatible with Alexa Voice Assistant? August Smart Lock/pro- Schlage Sense deadbolt

What are the best security cameras compatible with Alexa Voice Assistant? Arlo Pro 3 – Amazon Cloud Cam – Ring Spotlight Cam

What can Alexa do?

The list of commands that Alexa can perform is being added and completed day by day. Amazon’s Alexa speaker has a lot of skills; there is even the possibility that you can add your favorite skills to it. Undoubtedly, the number of things that Alexa can do is very large and can not be covered in just one article. Here are some of the things Alexa can do.

 

Give Alexa instructions, and she will follow them step by step.

Ask Alexa to read you an audiobook.

Receive movie and sports schedules through Alexa.

Order pizza using Alexa and find nearby restaurants.

Pay your bill with Alexa.

Order everything you need online.

Get pregnancy advice.

Get up-to-date news.

Ask Alexa to read your emails.

Give Alexa location-based reminders (for example, Alexa reminds you to slice chicken when you enter the house.)

Alexa protects your home when you are not at home.

and Alexa connects with people on site.

Alexa also can set the routine. For example, when you sleep, by saying Alexa, good night, Alexa turns off the lights, locks the front door, and sets the alarm for the time you want. Do not brew coffee before you wake up and prepare coffee for yourself. Turn on the lights when you wake up. Alexa wants to whisper if you do not want your spouse to wake up. Alexa whispers in your ear and prevents your spouse and other family members from waking up. Amazon is adding new features to Alexa almost every day. With these features to Alexa, this speaker will be used more than ever in life.

 

Conclusion:

Today, human beings are thinking about making life easier and accessing more amenities. One way to achieve greater comfort is to use devices that control home appliances with the help of voice messages. These devices translate voice messages into machine language, and you can transmit all the necessary commands to the device as voice messages. One of these devices offered by Amazon is Alexa. By connecting smart home appliances to Alexa, you can control them using voice commands. To activate Alexa, say “Alexa” When Alexa is activated, the device is ready to listen to you and listen and execute your commands. So to make any changes to the appliances, you do not have to get up every time and talk to Alexa.

Alexa executes all commands by listening to your profession. Alexa has a lot of capabilities, and Amazon is adding more and more skills to Alexa every day. And Alexa can also set the routine. For example, if you can say good night to Alexa, Alexa will turn off the lights herself, lock the front door, and set the alarm for tomorrow. When you wake up, he prepares coffee for you and many other things the next day. With Alexa, working with smart home appliances will be more and more enjoyable than ever.