If you have an Amazon Echo and have set it up for multiple users, changed the wake word, or set up package tracking, then you might be wondering what's next.
Routines are one thing that can really make your home feel smart. We've previously discussed Philips Hue automations, so today we're going to take a look at some of the best routines you can set up right now on your Amazon Echo.
Echo (2nd Generation) - Smart Speaker with Alexa - Charcoal Fabric Echo (2nd Generation) - Smart Speaker with Alexa - Charcoal Fabric Buy Now on Amazon $69.99
Alexa Routines are a simple yet powerful tool. A routine is one or more chained actions. A very common task for Echo is to adjust the lights and then read the news.
Without a routine, you would have to ask Alexa to perform these tasks in two separate steps:
“Alexa, turn on the lights.”
“Alexa, news conference.”
With a routine, you can assign a custom phrase to perform both tasks, and you're not just limited to two actions!
“Alexa, work time.”
Routines can be customized with keywords and can be set on a scheduled basis. If you have the right equipment, you can have your news briefing complete, along with the shutters opening. Or how about turning on your coffee machine with a smart plug-all controlled by Alexa?!
Kasa Smart Plug Outlet by TP-Link - Reliable WiFi connection, no hub required, works with Alexa Echo and Google Assistant (HS100) Kasa Smart Plug Outlet by TP-Link - Reliable WiFi connection, no tethering required, works with Alexa Echo and Google Assistant (HS100) Buy Now On Amazon $16.99
Creating routines with Alexa is easy. From the Alexa app, go to Settings page by pressing the gear at the bottom right. Scroll down and select Routines from the Accounts page.
Create a New Routine pressing the More button at the top right.
Start by choosing When this happens . This is where you will configure which particular action will trigger your scene. On the next page, choose how you want your routine to trigger:either when you say a phrase or at a certain time.
Then choose Add action . This is what you want Alexa to do in this routine. You can choose from various categories, or even have Alexa say certain phrases to you.
Once you have chosen an action, press the Add button at the bottom. You can now add another action, or if you're done, choose Create in the background.
Now that you know how easy it is to program Alexa routines, here are five to get you started.
This is very simple. Just like a clock radio, get your daily news digest from Alexa. Set your routine to run on a schedule, maybe 7am on weekdays Add a new action and choose the news option.
After the news, add a new action for Weather , and if you can, choose Smart home , and choose a light to turn on as well.
This takes a bit of planning ahead, but why not have Alexa say Happy Birthday to you or a family member? Set up your routine on a schedule (although you're limited to a week in advance).
For the action, choose. Alexa says , and then Birthday . Here you can choose from a wide range of greetings, from a simple "Happy Birthday" to more complex messages.
Although Alexa is compatible with smart lighting, voice control can sometimes be problematic. Ask Alexa to turn on the lights, and you might be greeted in the dark, while that sarcastic, robotic voice happily responds. "I found several lights, which one do you mean?" With this routine, you can easily configure Alexa to control your lights, without needing to be as specific in your request.
Start your routine with When you say something . Enter your phrase of choice, such as “day job”, or “relax at night”. While the commands require you to use your Echo's wake word, you don't have to type that here.
For your action, choose Smart home , and then select your light and color. Once that's done, go ahead and add as many actions as you like for each different light.
The benefit of a lighting routine is that you can change many different lights or other compatible smart devices. You are not only limited to one scene or group per command.
For this routine, how about a nice hello when you get home from work? Set a schedule for the time you usually get home:Alexa doesn't support triggering from your location or based on sensor input, unfortunately.
For the action, choose. Phrases , and then I'm home . Select a suitable phrase from the list. Unfortunately, it is not possible to choose a phrase at random.
For this final routine, let's get a traffic update. Create a new routine and set a schedule or voice activation.
For the action, select Traffic and then Add . That's all there is to the grind side, but we're not done yet. For this to work properly, you will need to set up your commute. This lets Alexa know where you'll be going and back and even allows you to add stops along the way!
Select Settings from the navigation drawer or from the bottom right of the settings cog. Scroll down to Traffic , and then enter your travel details by pressing Add address in the to / from fields.
Today we're showing you some of the cool things you can do with Alexa Routines. While these routines are very interesting, they are a bit limited if you want more than just the basics.
If you're looking for a little more control, why not check out our best IFTTT smart home recipes? 10 of the Best IFTTT Recipes for Smart Home Automation The smart home can save you time, effort, and energy. Here are ten of our favorites to get you started. Read more ?
