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Plus it’s also possible to connect the Dot to other speakers using Bluetooth or the 3.5mm jack. This Echo Dot with Clock does everything the standard Echo Dot can do, but can also display the time thanks to LEDs under the speaker fabric. For example, you could automate your devices so that when you say, “Alexa, good night,” your lights turn off, your front door locks, and your thermostat turns down for the night. You’ll use the Alexa feature called Routines to create these automations . Giving a voice command is simple enough and intuitive, but the setup process for enabling these commands can be complex and not as easy as manufacturers may lead you to believe. You can also rename plugs to be the device that's connected to them.
An example of a routine I recently set up in my own smart home changes the settings on multiple devices when I tell Alexa I’m leaving. With this command, Alexa will turn off my Philips Hue lights and knock down my thermostat. If you can relate, I recommend setting up routines in your Alexa app.
Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen)
To add an extra layer of safety to your home, you can connect the Vivint Smart Thermostat with smoke detectors like the Vivint Smoke and CO Detector and other smart sensors. In the event of a fire, your HVAC system will automatically turn off to minimize the spread of flames. The Vivint Smart Thermostat connects to your network to allow you to adjust your home’s temperature remotely, whether you’re near or far away.
Also, select the Echo device listed under the FROM section. This will let you or others know that the water pump has started. You don't need to spend big bucks to do smart home automation using Alexa.
Home security 101: Where to put cameras
This combination gets you the better speakers and the portability of the Tap with the always-listening Alexa feature via the Dot. Buying both the Dot and Tap will cost $180, the same as a single Echo, and it gives you a more flexible set up with portability when you need it -- and always-on Alexa convenience when you don't. Now that you’re all set up, it’s important to step back and learn what you need to know about privacy, factory settings, child protections and more.
The box of the lights said “Alexa Compatible” so I thought it would be fun to have a couple lights in the house that the girls could turn on with voice commands. The bedroom makes a lot of sense, especially if you're thinking of using Alexa's alarm feature to wake you up in the morning. Add smart home control to the picture, and you could tell Alexa to turn the lights off as you settle in for a good night's sleep, or ask her to turn the thermostat down if the room gets too hot. Then again, if you watch a lot of movies and like to dim the lights before hitting play, then Alexa might be better off in your TV room. Then, you need to determine which device you want synced with Alexa.
How to manage your Alexa smart home
However, timers you set will appear in the Alexa app and can be managed there. Today, many people speak to their voice assistants at least once per day, making voice-enabled device interaction a big part of our everyday lives. With “activity sounds,” Alexa will notify you about sounds when you’re away, like footsteps, talking, doors opening and closing, and more. You can customize which sounds you want Alexa to notify you about during the setup process. Then Alexa will play a loud siren on your Echo devices to scare potential intruders. You have a smart home, now protect it with a smart security camera.
But the added LED display supports certain settings you might not know about. Tap Combine speakers, then tap Stereo pair / subwoofer. Tap one of the speakers you want to use, then the app will highlight compatible speaker options -- tap one, then tap Next.
Communicating with Alexa
It’s got an arsenal of sensors and cameras to blanket every room, window and door tailored specifically for your home. Alexa Guard is an excellent free addition to your home security system. There’s also a premium Guard option you can purchase that will integrate with your existing security system, like a Ring doorbell. ($29) can help cut down costs on powering even the most exorbitant holiday light show.
To create a simple timer using an Alexa voice command, you can say, “Alexa, start a timer for minutes.” It’s possible to set a timer for up to 24 hours. It’s also possible to adjust the alarm’s noise if you’re unhappy with the default. Over time, smart thermostats “learn” what temperature you prefer and adjust accordingly.
Get one or all of these Alexa devices and start making your home as smart as possible. If your brand of device is not listed in Step 4, it may still work with Alexa. To try it, go back to Step 2 and follow these alternate steps. You can use these across brands, for example you can have motion on an Arlo camera announced through an Echo device - and when setting them up, you'll find all the options are presented to you. Setting up is one thing, but the real fun is to be had with using all these connected devices. Once you've enabled the skill, you'll most likely have to enter your account details for that brand's device.
If that creeps you out, here's how to make sure that feature is turned off. Tap all of the speakers you want to include in the group, then tap Next. Anyone can ask Alexa to “drop-in” to another room with an Echo device at any time. There is a faint beeping sound to let you know that someone is dropping in, but it could easily not be heard by someone with less than stellar hearing . After you have dropped in, the idea is to be able to have a free flowing conversation with the people in that room… but you could also just sit there and listen in. None of us but our 8 year old were really feeling this idea.
Once you’ve added your devices, it helps to organize them and your smart speaker into groups based on where they are in your home. When activated, this feature will listen, via microphones in Echo speakers, for smoke/CO alarms and breaking glass and alert you. If you want to create routines and add new skills, you’ll need a smartphone or device to run the Alexa app. For home automation, you’ll need smart home gadgets that can be triggered by Alexa — things like smart plugs, light bulbs, or sensors. You can repeat these steps to set up a switch-off routine or automation.
Of course, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 also connects to Alexa. Anytime the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected, you can program Alexa to provide an announcement. You can also see, hear and talk to visitors through any Echo Show or Echo Spot device. Plus, it supports virtually every streaming app you could ever want, including more recent services such as HBO Max, Disney+, Peacock and Paramount Plus.
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