Have you looked around on Amazon lately? If so, you have probably seen the Amazon Echo. It is a brand new (released in June 2015) featured Amazon device showing up on the front page every time I shop! The Amazon Echo is the new trendy, Trek-inspired personal assistant in a little black box. When they first came out, I thought to myself — no way. This is one tech device we do not need. I’ve since changed my mind. Here’s why.
The Amazon Echo is a voice-activated device named Alexa and is always ready to respond when you give a voice command. The number of things you can do with an Amazon Echo is astonishing and more functions are added all the time.
Here are the highlights – some of the ways the Amazon Echo makes life easier.
Amazon Echo checks the Weather
Find out the weather as quickly as asking “Alexa, what is the weather like today?” This is so much easier than finding your phone, pulling up the weather app, waiting for it to load the weather page, scrolling down, etc.
Amazon Echo Keeps up on the News
Get a news report whenever you want an update simply by asking. You can be specific too: “Alexa, what is Fox News saying about Trump’s nominations today?”
Amazon Echo Syncs with your Google Calendar
Find out if you have appointments (just ask!), schedule appointments, keep notes and listen to them later.
Amazon Echo Keeps a Running Shopping List
Whenever you need to add something to your shopping list, just tell Alexa what you want. If you want to actually order the item from Amazon, just say “Alexa, order my paper towels again.”
Amazon Echo Plays Music
Connect the device to Apple iTunes, Amazon Prime Music, or several different subscription libraries to play the music you already own.
Amazon Echo has Household Controls
If you have the right appliances and thermostat and lighting, the Echo can dim lights, turn up lights, turn the heat up or down, close the garage door and more.
Amazon Echo will give Traffic Reports
If you are headed out for the day or heading in to work the Amazon Echo can give you an up-to-date traffic report so you know when to leave.
Amazon Echo Answers Questions
Struggling with a math question? Ask Alexa. Wondering who wrote that book? Ask Alexa. Trying to remember how long you need to boil eggs? Ask Alexa. It’s like having google on demand. Hands-free.
Amazon Echo is a Sports Fan
Current scores, game results, and more are ready when you want them. Just ask.
Amazon Echo Requests Uber Rides
Need a ride somewhere? Echo has Uber built right in so you can request rides and get where you need to go quickly.
Amazon Echo Knows Movie Show Times
Ready to go watch Star Wars Rogue One this weekend? Let Alexa find the showing times and theaters for you.
As you can see, Amazon Echo is a pretty useful way to make life easier as you go about your day-to-day activities. As doubtful as I was in the beginning, I’m thrilled now to have given Amazon Echo a trial. It really does make my life easier!
Win an Amazon Echo plus $50 Gift Card!
As an invitation to join our brand new Crazy Deals Group, my friend Amy at Encouraging Moms at Home and I are sponsoring a giveaway of one Amazon Echo in the color of your choice (it comes in white or black).
To enter, use the Rafflecopter below. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S., age 18 and older. The winner will be notified by email and must respond within 48 hours or prize will be forfeited to a new winner. Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on December 31, 2016.
