When Amazon launched Echo back in 2014, no one had an idea what it was and why would anyone need a speaker with a built-in assistant by the name of Alexa.
Few years forward, and so many homes and so many people are using Echo and Alexa for all kinds of things.
But, truth be told, there are still a lot of people who are puzzled about what Echo is and how does echo work.
In this article, you will find out all about how to set it up, how its voice recognition work, and what it can do.
What is the Amazon Echo
The Echo – a cylindrical device that can play music, make calls, answer questions, control smart home appliances, tell you what the weather is like, and much more, all via voice – is Amazons first smart wireless speaker.
The list of things that this device can do is almost endless, and all you need to do to make sure of it is to set it up.
It was introduced back in 2014, and today, Amazon offers wide range of Alexa devices in different sizes and styles.
How does Echo work
1. Choose the right Echo speaker
As we previously mentioned, there are many Alexa devices out there, and each has unique features and attributes.
Generally, there are two classes of these devices. The first class is the group of speakers that will pair with another device and the other that will come already paired with Alexa, and it is voice controlled.
Of course, with the versatility comes different quality, and with the quality comes the price. O you should definitely know what you are looking for when you decide to shop for it.
2. Setting Up the Echo Speaker
Setting up the Echo actually takes only a few moments.
All you have to do is download the app on your device and log into it. Not a big deal, we all do it daily.
The next thing that you have to be sure of is that all of the devices that you intend to use with your Echo/ Alexa are connected properly.
You have to place Echo strategically so that all of the devices can pair and connect successfully.
After that, place the echo in your home and plug it in. The LED ring will start glowing blue, and shortly after, it will turn orange. This is a “green light” that the Alexa is prepared and that you can use it.
The orange colour indicates the pairing mode. At this point, the Echo speaker will be available for pairing. Hence, it should be connected to the internet. Your home Wi-Fi should do the trick.
All you have to do then is follow the on-screen instructions for connecting the Echo to your home network.
Once connected to the network, you will be given the option of saving your Wi-Fi credentials on Amazon for future use. Doing so will lessen the hassle of connecting to your other Alexa devices or just your home devices.
After you have set it, all you have to do is talk to it and see all the merits that it brings.
3. Ready to Communicate
Once everything is set, you can talk with Alexa.
By default, ‘Alexa’ is the wake-up word for the device. This, however, can be quickly changed to something you would prefer better.
How do you do it? Simply!
Just tell Alexa to change the wake-up word, literally.
Now, Alexa was built for many fun things. Scroll through the Alexa app and see what you could try out with it. There are dozens of basic, and some unnecessary tricks up Alexa’s sleeve.
The Alexa app will play you soothing music to relax you, search for news highlights from the BBC, tell you the weather, tell you a story and even play your music. All these are actual features to get you started with Alexa’s Echo devices.
As you gain more experience with Alexa, you can unlock a great deal of other useful things.
4. Alexa’s Role in the Smart Home
As mentioned before, Alexa isn’t just about having fun with a virtual personal assistant; the app can help around in the house too.
Smart home devices are intelligent home appliances in your house. For Alexa to work, you are going to have to connect these devices to Alexa.
Once you’ve done so, you will unlock a great deal of potential for your smart home.
There are numerous devices for a smart home out there. However, if you are getting one for your Echo and Alexa, make sure it is compatible with it.
All of these smart home devices are pretty helpful around the house. For instance, Alexa can help control Philips Hue bulbs. With the app, you could light up a room, change the bulb tone, and even switch off the lights.
To incorporate Alexa into the smart home, you should, first of all, add them to Alexa, give it control over certain devices that you want to control.
Besides helping around with smart home appliances, Alexa could help you do a lot of things around the house. You could make video calls, phone calls, and even leave messages.
In the kitchen, Alexa can be your cooking companion. If you want a recipe for something, ask Alexa and voila! Right there in front of you.
Conclusion
Finally, Alexa is what future personal assistants will be like. Technology like this of Echo and Alexa is meant to make our lives and everyday chores more manageable. So get you Alexa installed and your Echo speaker on board and start the new age of smart and easy living.
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