带有Alexa功能的亚马逊Echo扬声器确实改变了人们在家中与设备交互的方式。就个人而言，Alexa是我的孩子定期与之互动的唯一设备。几天来，Siri对他们来说很令人兴奋，但只是经常不能很好地工作。(t work)
尽管Siri停滞不前，但谷歌和亚马逊(Google and Amazon)确实已经构建了设备和服务，您也可以通过交谈来获取信息、玩游戏等，并使用这些设备和服务来执行诸如控制您的智能设备或订购披萨等任务。
不仅如此，Alexa 还被(Alexa)整合到一系列不同的设备中，而不仅仅是由Amazon创建的设备。您可以在电视、恒温器、汽车甚至某些耳机中使用Alexa 。而且由于该服务在云中运行，它会不断变得更加智能，并且无需升级您的硬件。
在本文中，我们将介绍一些可用于Echo 设备和 Alexa(Echo device and Alexa)的最有用的命令和技能。请注意，您可以通过简单地说“Alexa，启用 NameOfSkill 技能”来启用任何(“Alexa, enable the NameOfSkill skill”)Alexa 技能(Alexa skill)。
54. 向 Alexa 询问她的技能
如果您不确定可以问Alexa什么，只需说“ Alexa，我可以尝试什么？(Alexa, what things can I try?)” 她会开始告诉你可以说的不同命令。如果您想知道Alexa(Alexa)拥有哪些无需在线查找即可启用的技能，只需询问“ Alexa，您最常用的技能是什么？(Alexa, what are your most popular skills?)“。
如果您想要特定技能，您也可以询问这些技能。例如，你可以问“ Alexa，你的游戏技能是什么？(Alexa, what are you games skills?)”或“ Alexa，你的智能家居技能是什么？(Alexa, what are your smart home skills?)“， 等等。
53. 冲一杯咖啡
就像一个好助手一样，Alexa可以处理您的 Java 请求。Behmor Connected Brewer(Behmor Connected Brewer)通过使用您的声音、兼容的智能开关和非常基本的滴漏式咖啡机(drip coffee brewer)进行控制。它还与亚马逊的Dash按钮集成。因此，当咖啡开始变低时，此功能会自动重新订购咖啡。
52. 了解一点历史
历史上的这一天是由(This Day in History)历史频道(History Channel)赞助的一项技能。它与用户分享当天的历史事实。只要(Just)说，“问历史上的这一天，3月10日发生了什么。(Ask this day in history what happened on March 10.) ”他们还有一个历史上的这一天头条新闻(This Day in History Top Story)，这也是一个流行的技能。
51. 你能再说一遍吗？
再次确认(Reconfirm)所说的话，“ Alexa，你能重复一遍吗？(Alexa, can you repeat that?)”或者，“ Alexa，你能再说一遍吗？(Alexa, can you say that again?)” 这个高科技个人助理会根据用户的需要多次重复她所说的话。有兴趣查看最近的回复吗？然后查看Alexa 应用程序的(Alexa app)主页(Home)选项卡。用户还可以收听迄今为止对 Alexa(Alexa to-date)说过的所有事情的录音。
50.改变唤醒词
将唤醒词从Alexa更改为另一个名称是一种选择。但是，它必须是包含在选项中的名称。从Alexa、Amazon、Computer或Echo中进行选择。
首先，从给定的选项中选择一个名称。然后打开Alexa 应用程序(Alexa app)或访问alexa.amazon.com。接下来，打开Settings，选择 Echo 设备，点击Wake Word，从下拉菜单中选择一个名称，然后点击Save。
49. 聊天机器人技能
在旅途中积极工作的消费者会发现聊天机器人技能(Chat Bot Skill)对于提高生产力至关重要。通过启用ChatBot 技能(ChatBot skill)，工作人员可以用声音请求Alexa代表他们发帖。
将Amazon 帐户(Amazon account)链接到您的Slack 帐户(Slack account)使此功能成为可能。然后，用户可以通过询问“ Alexa，告诉 ChatBot 将“未来就是现在”发布到 Random 来(Alexa, tell ChatBot to post ‘The Future is Now’ to Random.)发布到特定频道。”
48.检查第一资本银行余额
如果用户有Capital One 卡(Capital One card)，那么检查他们的余额是免提的。只需说“ Alexa，打开Capital One(Alexa, open Capital One) ”，消费者就可以查看他们的账户详细信息：从查看当前余额到查看可用的信用卡和手头现金，再到查看(credit and cash)信用卡(credit card)到期日和最近的交易。
47. 检查股票
只需说“ Alexa，问Opening Bell(Alexa, ask Opening Bell,) ”，消费者就可以查看股市(stock market)。此外，使用公司名称而不是其符号向Alexa询问股票价格。(Alexa)总的来说，这项服务的数据由Market On Demand提供。此外(Additionally)，TD Ameritrade提供了类似的技能。
46.打扫公寓或房子
与Neato Botvac Connected、iRobot Roomba(Roomba 690) 690、890和 960 或三星 PowerBot VR7000 系列(Samsung PowerBot VR7000 series)一起启用清洁功能(cleaning function)。这样，清洁变得免提。通过说“ Alexa，开始清洁(Alexa, start cleaning)”，高科技助手与无线吸尘器(wireless vacuum)进行通信。结果，真空吸尘器立即开始清洁公寓或房屋(apartment or house)。
45. 连接您的 FitBit
Fitbit 技能(Fitbit skill)让消费者问：“ Alexa，我走了多少步？(Alexa how many steps have I taken?)”或“我睡得怎么样？(How well did I sleep?)“。用户还可以检查他们在Fitbit 活动追踪器(Fitbit activity tracker)记录的其他指标上的表现。Alexa也是一位精明的培训师，随时准备通过锻炼与消费者交谈。
44.控制恒温器
Nest Learning Thermostat、Honeywell Lyric和Ecobee等智能恒温器可连接到Alexa。多亏了这一点，改变温度比以往任何时候都简单。具体来说，Ecobee4内置了Alexa。
43.创建独特的语音配置文件(Create Distinctive Voice Profiles)
设置语音配置文件使Alexa能够区分谁在发出命令。因此，它提供了个性化的结果。通过聆听特定的声音并询问(voice and asking)，“ Alexa，我的日历上有什么？(Alexa, what’s on my calendar?)” Alexa从(Alexa)语音配置文件(voice profile)的日历(s calendar)中回复即将发生的事件。然后，如果另一个声音询问“ Alexa 播放音乐(Alexa play music)”，它将根据他们的语音配置文件的个人喜好选择音乐。在此处阅读有关如何创建语音配置文件的(create a voice profile)信息。
42. 创建提醒
Alexa就像个人助理一样，有助于提醒用户他们上述的个人任务和差事。因此，准确地告诉Alexa您需要记住什么，它会提醒您该任务和时间(task and time)。要创建提醒，只需说出任务及其时间，例如“ Alexa，提醒我每周一上午 10 点锻炼(Alexa, remind me to workout at 10 a.m. every Monday)”
41.为多个命令(Multiple Commands)创建(Create) 例程(Routines)
有包含一天中特定时间的命令字符串。例如，用户可以为短语Good Morning创建一个例程。一串命令可以链接在一起形成一个例程。其中(Therein)，当用户醒来并说“早上好”时，例程打开灯，启动咖啡机(coffee maker)，说出早晨的天气(morning weather)，然后启动汽车加热。目前，它们仅适用于智能家居设备、新闻、交通和天气更新(traffic and weather updates)。
要创建例程，请打开Alexa 应用程序(Alexa app)，转到设置(Settings)，然后点击例程(Routines)。
40.删除收集的亚马逊语音数据(Collected Amazon Voice Data)
总的来说，对Alexa(Alexa)所说的一切都会被记录下来并上传到亚马逊的服务器。通过转到Amazon Echo 应用程序(Amazon Echo app)>设置(Settings)>历史记录来(History)删除(Delete)特定的录音。
出现所有记录的列表。要从该列表中删除录音，请点按它，然后点按删除录音(Delete voice recordings)。
39. 独家优惠
通过询问，“ Alexa，你的交易是什么？(Alexa, what are your deals?)”消费者可以查看一系列亚马逊 Prime(Amazon Prime)会员专享优惠。您需要一台支持 Alexa 的设备才能订购。此外，访问亚马逊的语音购物(Amazon’s Voice Shopping)页面会向消费者简要介绍适当的句子，以触发购买或将商品添加到您的购物车。
38.探索太空
这颗红色星球(Red Planet)在激发好奇心的同时提出了很多问题，而美国宇航局的火星技能(NASA Mars skill)让用户随时了解好奇号火星车(Curiosity rover)的动态。它还提供有关红色星球(Red Planet)的常见问题的答案。
还有其他一些很棒的技能，例如NASA Breaking News、NASA(NASA New) News和Daily Dose of Space和Space Facts。
37. 测试你的音乐技巧
喜欢听音乐？好吧，为什么不通过玩歌曲测验技能(Song Quiz skill)来测试一下您在识别歌曲和艺术家方面的能力。它播放从 60 年代开始每十年的音乐。您也可以与其他人进行真正的竞争。
36.获得急救
提供基本的急救答案，梅奥诊所发布了一份从轻微划痕到(Mayo Clinic)心肺复苏术(CPR)的急救技能清单。仅用于指导目的，此功能向用户简要介绍重要的救生技术。但是，它不能用于危及生命或紧急情况(emergency situation)。在这种情况下，最好拨打 911。
35. 寻求帮助
告诉您的亲人和重要的其他人您需要帮助。虽然这不能替代 911，但它是一种可以快速连接到您的支持系统(support system)的服务。当您无法接通电话时，Ask My Buddy 技能(Ask My Buddy skill)会通过短信、短信或电话(SMS or phone call)向预先选定的人员发送紧急通知。(emergency notification)另一个不错的是SafeTrek。
34. 获取棋盘游戏规则
Board Game Answers 技能(Board Game Answers skill)让Alexa提醒用户流行游戏的方向。如果在游戏过程中需要进一步澄清，请喊出：“ Alexa，问 Board Games 谁在大富翁中排名第一(Alexa, ask Board Games who goes first in Monopoly)。” 启用棋盘游戏答案命令(Board Game Answers command)后，Alexa将成为全神贯注的现场数字裁判。
33. 获取食谱
Campbell的厨房(Campbell’s Kitchen) 技能和命令(skill and command)是迄今为止最流行的查找食谱的功能，还有AllRecipes 技能(AllRecipes skill)。坎贝尔的厨房技能(Kitchen skill)每天都会推出五种食谱。最重要的是，选择食谱后，配料和说明会发送到用户的Alexa 应用程序(Alexa app)。
32.获取天气报告
Big Sky 技能(Big Sky skill)根据用户的街道地址提供本地预报。使用来自Dark Sky的信息，提供风速和湿度(speed and humidity)等数据。总体而言，Alexa还内置了对天气预报的支持。只需(Just)说“ Alexa，告诉我天气(Alexa, tell me the weather)。”
31. 获取新闻
The NPR News Now(NPR News Now)技能上提供了每小时更新的当日头条新闻的 5 分钟简报。同样(Likewise)，CNN、美联社(Associated Press)和BBC 也提供(BBC offer)类似的技能功能。
30. 找到你的手机
借助Alexa，消费者可以立即帮助他们使用语音找到手机。(finding their phone)根据评论，即使手机处于静音状态，手机也会响铃。但是，如果您的手机处于“请勿打扰”( Do Not Disturb)模式，它可能无法正常工作。您还可以按姓名添加多个人来拨打不同的电话，而不仅仅是一个电话。
29. 听听你的星座运势
每日十二生肖(Zodiac)读数可在几个不同的应用程序中使用。Elle 杂志(Elle magazine)的Astro Twins 技能提供了最受欢迎的星座读数之一。一旦启用该技能，用户就可以从Astro Twins接收个性化的星座运势。这些同卵双胞胎姐妹提供每日读数。占星的其他好技能是 每日芋头阅读( Daily Taro Reading) 和星体尼娜每日占星(Astral Nina Daily Horoscope)。
28.听到励志名言
从Inspire Me 技能(Inspire Me skill)中获得洞察力和动力(insight and motivation)。提供名人的励志名言，从玛雅安吉洛(Maya Angelou)到克里斯托弗沃肯(Christopher Walken)，用户永远不会不知所措。独特的是，这些报价是由个人自己说的，而不是通过Alexa说的，这丰富了体验。
27. 收听播客
(Stream)使用Anypod 技能(Anypod skill)流式传输数千个播客。可以按名称搜索、订阅播客、向前或向后跳，以及暂停一集。当用户暂停一集时，它会从他们停止(ll pick)的地方继续。Anypod技能(Anypod skill)提供了一个宏伟的 3000 多个播客库。使用Serial、RadioLab、This American Life、S-Town、The Moth、The Daily、TED Radio Hour和 This Week In Tech等播客。
26. 呼叫另一个 Alexa 设备
可以与其他支持 Alexa 的设备进行语音或视频通话。(voice or video calls)例如，兼容的设备包括Echo、Echo Dot、Echo Show以及用户智能手机上的Alexa 应用程序。(Alexa app)
具体来说，Alexa会窃取您的通讯录以查找兼容的设备，然后提供给它们打电话或发短信的选项。只需(Just)说“ Alexa，拨打电话(Alexa, make a call)”或“ Alexa，发送消息(Alexa, send a message)”。
25.制作个人资料
要检查正在使用哪个配置文件，请询问“ Alexa，这是哪个配置文件？(Alexa, which profile is this?)” 要在配置文件之间切换，比如说，“ Alexa，切换配置文件。(Alexa, switch profiles.)”可以将多(Multiple)个人和他们各自的亚马逊(Amazon)账户添加到Alexa 家庭(Alexa household)资料中。
重要的是要认识到额外的成员并不意味着有单独的购物或待办事项清单。但是，它确实允许共享内容库。还值得注意的是，此命令允许这些附加成员使用主要Prime 帐户(Prime account)订购商品的权限。
24. 打坐
(Get)使用停止、呼吸和思考、冥想计时器与(Stop, Breathe & Think, Meditation Timer)您的呼吸保持一致并清除您的思绪。此功能首先询问您要冥想多长时间。它还播放森林、雨声或冲浪的声音以放松身心。
23.混合饮料
饮料鉴赏家将享受调酒师的技能(Bartender skill)。此命令使用户可以访问超过 12,000 种不同的鸡尾酒配方。另外，通过询问“ Alexa 用随机选择的饮料让我感到惊讶(Alexa surprise me with a randomly selected drink)”，用户将收到零星的饮料建议(drink suggestion)。
22.从亚马逊Prime订购任何东西(Amazon Prime)
只需询问，消费者就可以通过Alexa从(Alexa)Amazon prime订购数百万种产品。订购任何(Order anything)符合 Prime 条件的商品。此功能不包括购买服装、珠宝、鞋子、手表、Amazon Fresh、Amazon Prime Pantry、Amazon Prime Now 或附加项目的能力。
21. 叫车
一旦消费者在Uber(Uber)或Lyft开设了账户并且支付选项得到满足，他们就可以向Alexa请求司机。通过说“ Alexa，让 Lyft 叫车(Alexa, ask Lyft to request a ride)”，消费者几乎准备好了。虽然您的愿望是 Alexa 的命令，但乘车费用(ride fare)会自动从您的帐户中扣除。
20. 点披萨
通过设置 Easy Order并启用Domino's Pizza 技能(Domino’s Pizza skill)，消费者可以毫不费力地订购披萨。通过说“Alexa，打开 Domino's 并下我的 Easy Order ”，即可订购披萨。此外，消费者可以在 Domino 的Tracker更新中检查他们的订单状态。如果您想从那里订购，必胜客(Pizza Hut)也有Alexa 技能。(Alexa skill)
19. 订购鲜花
简单地说，“ Alexa，告诉 1-800-Flowers 给妈妈送花(Alexa, tell 1-800-Flowers to send flowers to Mom)”，用户就可以快速发送母亲(Mother)节礼物(Day gift)。首先(First)，启用此技能需要一个1-800-Flowers帐户。(1-800-Flowers)连接消费者后，他们可以轻松订购花束。需要注意的是，用户需要告诉公司联系人的地址、排列方式(arrangement style)和首选尺寸。总的来说，付款信息(payment info)需要在订单之前输入。
18.将酒精饮料(Pair Alcoholic Beverages)与食物搭配(Food)
(Beverage)MySomm会根据您的(MySomm)饮食推荐饮料。总之，有数百条关于“什么与什么相配”的建议可用。要激活该功能，请说“ Alexa，请 Wine Gal 推荐一种用于香蒜意大利宽面条的葡萄酒。(Alexa, ask Wine Gal to recommend a wine for a Pesto Fettuccine.)”
17. 私人教练
当用户询问“ Alexa，开始7 分钟锻炼(7-minute workout)”时，训练变得容易多了。(Alexa, start the 7-minute workout.)” 据报道，这项功能表明经过测试的运动可以增加新陈代谢(increase metabolism)、提高能量并减少脂肪。对于需要充分利用时间的消费者来说，Alexa 的私人教练功能(Personal Trainer function)是一个很好的工具。
16. 计划逃跑
就像助手一样，Alexa能够帮助消费者在Kayak.com上(Kayak.com)预订旅行(book travel)。通过明确告诉Alexa您正在使用的预算，可以进行更简洁的搜索。要使用这个旅行精通的功能，消费者(consumer need)只需询问“ Alexa, ask Kayak where I can go for $400.”
15. 播放和串流音乐
使用亚马逊的音乐库(music library)，消费者可以启动播放列表。这些播放列表基于特定的活动、时代、艺术家，甚至是您的心情。使用Alexa从(Alexa)Spotify、Amazon Prime Music、iHeartRadio、TuneIn、Pandora和SiriusXM等各种服务流式传输音乐(Stream music)。
Alexa最著名的命令是播放音乐，可以通过询问“ Alexa，播放古典音乐”来完成。(Alexa, play Classical Music.)” 然而，它也可以流式传输音乐。为此，需要Prime Music 或 Amazon Music Unlimited(Prime Music or Amazon Music Unlimited)。
如果用户拥有Amazon Music Unlimited，那么他们还需要继续订阅家庭计划(Family Plan)。然后通过进入Alexa 应用程序(Alexa app)设置菜单(Settings menu)中的多房间音乐部分(Multi-Room Music section)，用户可以按照说明进行操作。之后，他们将能够轻松地在家中传输他们选择的音乐。
14. 玩游戏
通过询问“ Alexa，玩琐事游戏(Alexa, play Trivia games)”，用户就变成了玩家。其他游戏如Rock、Paper、Scissors、Lizard、Spock、Chess、 20 questions 、Bingo、Jeopardy和Tic-Tac-Toe。要了解有关游戏选择(game selection)的更多信息，请查看亚马逊的游戏、琐事和配件(Games, Trivia & Accessories)(Games, Trivia & Accessories) 网页。
另一个流行的Alexa 技能(Alexa skill)游戏是Yes Sire，你是一个领域的主人，必须做出许多决定。
13. 怀孕建议
新(New)妈妈会喜欢Alexa的Everyday Health 的“期待什么”技能(What to Expect skill)。本质上，它为准父母提供每日和每周的提示、指南和建议。此外，它是根据怀孕的截止日期定制的。从长远来看，它也能够为新生儿生命的第一年提供建议。
12.将一首歌曲编程为闹钟
唤醒您选择的预选配乐。这是通过告诉Alexa在特定时间播放歌曲、广播电台(radio station)或音乐流派来实现的。(music genre)例如，“ Alexa，早上 6 点用经典摇滚音乐叫醒我。(Alexa, wake me up to Classic Rock music at 6 am.)”
11. 发送语音信息
您的任何同时拥有Echo、Echo Dot 或 Echo Show(Echo Dot or Echo Show)并启用呼叫的联系人都会显示在Alexa联系人列表中。通过说“ Alexa，向 [name] 发送消息来发送消息。(Alexa, send [name] a message.)” 消息将发送到收件人手机上的相应Echo 设备和 Alexa应用程序。(Echo device and Alexa)
10.启动你的车
在您进入车内之前启动您的汽车并预热。(car and warm)选择具有Blue Link 功能的(Blue Link feature)现代汽车(Select Hyundai autos)可以远程启动。此外，可以锁定和解锁门。驾驶员可以使用Blue Link Skill改变车内温度并打开(temperature and turn)喇叭和灯(horn and lights)。梅赛德斯(Mercedes)、宝马(BMW)和福特(Ford)汽车也提供类似的技能。
9. 睡个好觉
大多数Echo(Echo)设备上最常用的功能是播放某种音乐或声音(music or sounds)。如果您难以入睡，那么(trouble sleeping)Echo 有史以来(Echo)最受欢迎的技能之一就是Zen Sounds：Healing Sounds。 音频质量很高，由 1 小时的流而不是短小的音频剪辑组成。
我最喜欢的另一个是Ambient Sounds，它包括雷暴、雨、海洋、冒泡的小溪等等。
8.解决快速数学问题
快速计算或转换，尤其是在烹饪或处理外币时可能会出现问题。然而，使用Alexa，货币或测量值很容易转换。即使是数学方程也无需计算器即可求解。通过询问“ Alexa (Difficult)，一升有多少盎司？(Alexa, how many ounces are in a liter?)” 或“ Alexa，将 10 美元兑换成英镑。(Alexa, convert 10 dollars to pound.)”
7. 讲睡前故事
只需说“ Alexa，给 [孩子的名字] 讲一个睡前故事(Alexa, tell a bedtime story to [child’s name])”，父母就可以立即说故事(beck and call)。Alexa能够帮助安排故事时间(story time)。此外，睡前故事技能(Bedtime Story skill)最终会根据孩子的喜好进行个性化设置。
6. 为吉他调音
启用吉他调音器技能(Guitar Tuner skill)，以像使用音(pitch pipe)高管一样使用Alexa并调整吉他上的琴弦。最终，Alexa会演奏一首曲子，用户必须调整他们的琴弦，直到它的声音与演奏的音符相匹配。这是一个聪明的音乐工具。
5.关灯
通过说“ Alexa 关闭我连接的灯(Alexa turn off my connected lights)”，用户可以在不移动的情况下关闭灯。要记住的一个关键点是，消费者需要像WeMo智能插头这样的连接设备才能使这项技能发挥作用。路创(Lutron)、三星 SmartThings(Samsung SmartThings)、飞利浦 Hue(Philips Hue)和Control4等其他公司也提供类似的关灯技能。
4.跟踪亚马逊购买
通过询问(Track)“ Alexa，我的包裹在(Alexa, where’s my package?)哪里？(Amazon purchase)”或说，“ Alexa，跟踪我的订单。(Alexa, track my order.)” 虽然没有包括细节，但它会告诉消费者他们的预计到货日期(arrival date)。
3.用作对讲机
利用此对讲选项(intercom option)将管道连接到放置在房屋内的Echo扬声器。(Echo)提供与房子周围的Echo设备的直接通信线路，消息可以快速中继。(Echo)说(Say)“ Alexa，到客厅去”，然后通过(Alexa, drop in on the living room)客厅(living room)的Echo 扬声器(Echo speaker)播放您所说的任何内容。
2.看电视
通过将 Alexa 连接到Logitech Harmony遥控器，语音激活命令消除了按下按钮的需要。通过说“ Alexa，打开我的电视(Alexa, turn on my TV)”或“ Alexa，暂停(Alexa, pause)”，命令会自动发送和接收。此外，Dish 客户(Dish customers)也非常有能力使用Alexa控制他们的卫星电视盒(TV box)。
1. 每日一语
(Learn something)使用每日词汇(Word Of The Day)技能每天学习新事物。总体而言，使用每日(Day function)单词(Word)功能增加词汇量更有趣。此智能命令共享单词的定义，并且还在句子中使用该单词。
哇！这是很多命令和技能！我确信这个列表会在一年内过时，所以我一定会回来更新它，并使用Alexa将获得的新功能和技能。享受！
54 Best Alexa Skills and Commands
Amazon’s Echo speakers that come with the power оf Αlexa, havе really changed the way pеople interact with devices at home. Personally, Alexa iѕ the only device that my kids interact with on a regular basis. Sіri was exciting for a few dаys for them, but just didn’t work well often еnough.
While Siri has stagnated, Google and Amazon have really built devices and services that you can talk too to get information, play games, etc. and use to perform tasks like control your smart devices or order a pizza.
Not only that, but Alexa is incorporated into a bunch of different devices beyond those created by just Amazon. You can use Alexa on your TV, thermostat, in your car and even in some headphones. And since the service runs in the cloud, it constantly gets smarter and there is no need to upgrade your hardware.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most useful commands and skills that you can use with your Echo device and Alexa. Note that you can enable any Alexa skill by simply saying “Alexa, enable the NameOfSkill skill”.
54. Ask Alexa About Her Skills
If you’re not sure what you can ask Alexa, just say “Alexa, what things can I try?” and she’ll start telling you different commands you can speak. If you want to know what kinds of skills Alexa has that you can enable without having to look them up online, just ask “Alexa, what are your most popular skills?“.
If you want specific skills, you can ask about those too. For example, you can ask “Alexa, what are you games skills?” or “Alexa, what are your smart home skills?“, etc.
53. Brew A Cup Of Coffee
Like a good assistant, Alexa is on top of your java requests. The Behmor Connected Brewer is controlled by using your voice, a compatible smart switch and a very basic drip coffee brewer. It also integrates with Amazon’s Dash buttons. As a result, this feature automatically reorders coffee when it starts to get low.
52. Learn A Bit Of History
This Day in History is a skill that’s sponsored by The History Channel. It shares historical facts from the day with the user. Just say, “Ask this day in history what happened on March 10.” They also have a This Day in History Top Story, which is also a popular skill.
51. Can You Say That Again?
Reconfirm what was said by saying, “Alexa, can you repeat that?” or, “Alexa, can you say that again?” This high-tech personal assistant repeats what she said as many times as a user needs. Interested in looking up recent responses? Then check out the Home tab of the Alexa app. The user can also listen to the recordings of all the things that have been said to Alexa to-date.
50. Change The Wake Word
Changing the wake word from Alexa to another name is an option. However, it must be a name that’s included among the choices. Choose from amongst Alexa, Amazon, Computer or Echo.
First, pick a name from among the choices given. Then open the Alexa app or go to alexa.amazon.com. Next, open Settings, choose an Echo device, tap on Wake Word, select a name from the drop-down menu, and tap Save.
49. ChatBot Skill
Consumers that are active at work when they’re on-the-go will find the Chat Bot Skill pivotal to increasing productivity. By enabling the ChatBot skill, workers can audibly request Alexa to post on their behalf.
Linking an Amazon account to your Slack account makes this feature possible. The user can then post to a specific channel by asking “Alexa, tell ChatBot to post ‘The Future is Now’ to Random.”
48. Check Capital One Bank Balance
If the user has a Capital One card, then checking their balance is hands-free. Just by saying “Alexa, open Capital One,” a consumer is able to check their account details: from checking your current balance to viewing available credit and cash on hand to seeing credit card due dates and recent transactions.
47. Check Stocks
Just by saying, “Alexa, ask Opening Bell,” a consumer is able to check the stock market. Furthermore, ask Alexa for the price of a stock using the company’s name instead of its symbol. By and large, the data from this service is provided by Market On Demand. Additionally, TD Ameritrade offers a similar skill.
46. Clean The Apartment or House
Enable the cleaning function along with the Neato Botvac Connected, the iRobot Roomba 690, 890, and 960, or the Samsung PowerBot VR7000 series. In this way, cleaning becomes handsfree. By saying “Alexa, start cleaning,” the high-tech assistant communicates with the wireless vacuum. As a result, the vacuum immediately goes to work cleaning the apartment or house.
45. Connect With Your FitBit
The Fitbit skill lets a consumer ask, “Alexa how many steps have I taken?” or “How well did I sleep?“. Users can also check how they did on other metrics recorded by their Fitbit activity tracker. Alexa is a savvy trainer too that is ready to talk the consumer through their workout.
44. Control The Thermostat
Smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat, Honeywell Lyric, and Ecobee are connectable to Alexa. Thanks to which, changing temperatures is simpler than ever. Specifically, Ecobee4 has Alexa built into it.
43. Create Distinctive Voice Profiles
Setting up voice profiles enables Alexa to distinguish who is issuing the command. As a result, it provides personalized results. By listening to a particular voice and asking, “Alexa, what’s on my calendar?” Alexa replies with upcoming events from the voice profile’s calendar. Then if another voice asks “Alexa play music“, it will then select music based on their voice profile’s personal preferences. Read about how to create a voice profile here.
42. Create Reminders
Alexa, like a personal assistant, helps in reminding the user of their aforementioned personal tasks and errands. Therefore, tell Alexa exactly what you need to remember and it will remind you of that said task and time. To create a reminder, just say the task and its time such as, “Alexa, remind me to workout at 10 a.m. every Monday”
41. Create Routines For Multiple Commands
There are strings of commands which encompass particular times of the day. For instance, the user can create a routine for the phrase Good Morning. A string of commands could be linked together into a routine. Therein, when the user wakes up and says “Good morning,” the routine turns on the lights, start the coffee maker, speaks the morning weather, and starts the car to warm it up. Currently, they only work for smart home devices, news, traffic and weather updates.
To create a routine, open the Alexa app, go to Settings, then tap on Routines.
40. Delete The Collected Amazon Voice Data
Overall, everything that is said to Alexa is recorded and uploaded to Amazon’s servers. Delete specific recordings, by going to the Amazon Echo app > Settings > History.
A list of everything recorded appears. To delete a recording from that list, tap it, then tap Delete voice recordings.
39. Exclusive Deals
By asking, “Alexa, what are your deals?” a consumer can review a series of Amazon Prime member-exclusive deals. You’ll need an Alexa-enabled device to order. Additionally, visiting Amazon’s Voice Shopping page briefs the consumer of the appropriate sentences to say to trigger purchases or add items to your cart.
38. Explore Space
The Red Planet poses plenty of questions while igniting a curiosity and the NASA Mars skill keeps users abreast with the goings-on of the Curiosity rover. It also delivers answers to commonly asked questions about the Red Planet.
There are also a couple of other great skills too like NASA Breaking News, NASA News and Daily Dose of Space and Space Facts.
37. Test Your Music Skills
Love listening to music? Well, why not test out how good you are at identifying songs and artists by playing the Song Quiz skill. It plays music from every decade starting from the 60’s. You can also play against someone else for true competition.
36. Get First Aid
Providing basic first aid answers, The Mayo Clinic released a skill checklist for first-aid from minor scratches to CPR. For instructional purposes only, this function briefs the user on vital life-saving techniques. It’s not to be used in a life-threatening or emergency situation though. In that case, it’s best to call 911.
35. Get Help
Tell your loved ones and significant others that you need help. While this is no substitute for 911, it is a service that quickly connects to your support system. When you can’t reach your phone, the Ask My Buddy skill sends an emergency notification by text, SMS or phone call to a preselected person. Another good one is SafeTrek.
34. Get Rules For Board Games
The Board Game Answers skill lets Alexa remind the user of the directions for popular games. If further clarification is needed during a game, then call out, “Alexa, ask Board Games who goes first in Monopoly.” Enabling the Board Game Answers command, Alexa becomes an on-hand digital referee that’s all ears.
33. Get Recipes
The Campbell’s Kitchen skill and command is by far the most popular function to find recipes, along with the AllRecipes skill. Five recipes are featured daily on the Campbell’s Kitchen skill. Most importantly, after selecting a recipe, the ingredients and directions are sent to the user’s Alexa app.
32. Get A Weather Report
The Big Sky skill offers local forecasts based on the user’s street address. Using information from Dark Sky, data such as wind speed and humidity is provided. Overall, Alexa also has built-in support for weather forecasts. Just say “Alexa, tell me the weather.”
31. Get The News
A 5-minute briefing of the day’s headlines, which is updated every hour, is available on The NPR News Now skill. Likewise, CNN, the Associated Press, and the BBC offer similar skill functions as well.
30. Find Your Phone
With Alexa, a consumer has immediate assistance in finding their phone using their voice. According to the reviews, the phone will ring even if it is on silent. It may not work, though, if your phone is in Do Not Disturb mode. You can also add multiple people by name to call different phones instead of just one.
29. Hear Your Horoscope
Daily Zodiac readings are available in several different apps. The Elle magazine’s Astro Twins skill provides one of the most popular horoscope readings. Once the skill is enabled, the user is able to receive personalized horoscopes from the Astro Twins. These identical twin sisters provide daily readings. Other good skills for horoscopes are Daily Taro Reading and Astral Nina Daily Horoscope.
28. Hear a Motivational Quote
Receive insight and motivation from the Inspire Me skill. Serving inspirational quotes from famous people, from Maya Angelou to Christopher Walken, users are never at a loss for wise words. Uniquely, the quotes are spoken by the individuals themselves rather than via Alexa, which enriches the experience.
27. Listen To A Podcast
Stream thousands of podcasts with the Anypod skill. It’s possible to search by name, subscribe to podcasts, skip ahead or back, and pause an episode. When a user pauses an episode, it’ll pick up right where they left off. The Anypod skill offers a magnificent 3000-plus library of podcasts. With such podcasts like Serial, RadioLab, This American Life, S-Town, The Moth, The Daily, TED Radio Hour, and This Week In Tech.
26. Call Another Alexa Device
It’s possible to make voice or video calls to and from other Alexa-enabled devices. Compatible devices, for example, include the Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, as well as the Alexa app on the user’s smartphone.
In detail, Alexa pilfers your address book to find compatible devices, and then it offers the option of calling or texting them. Just say “Alexa, make a call” or “Alexa, send a message“.
25. Make Individual Profiles
To check which profile is being used, ask, “Alexa, which profile is this?” To switch between profiles, say, “Alexa, switch profiles.” Multiple people and their respective Amazon accounts can be added to an Alexa household profile.
It’s important to realize that additional members doesn’t mean there are separate shopping or to-do lists. However, it does allow the ability to share content libraries. It’s also worth noting that this command allows those additional members permission to use the primary Prime account to order items.
24. Meditate
Get aligned with your breath and clear your mind with Stop, Breathe & Think, Meditation Timer. This function starts off by asking how long you want to meditate for. It also plays the sounds of forest, rain, or surf to relax.
23. Mix A Drink
Drink connoisseurs will enjoy the Bartender skill. This command gives the user access to more than 12,000 different cocktail recipes. Plus, by asking “Alexa surprise me with a randomly selected drink“, the user will receive a sporadic drink suggestion.
22. Order Anything From Amazon Prime
Just by asking, a consumer can order millions of products from Amazon prime through Alexa. Order anything that is Prime-eligible. What is not included in this function is the ability to buy apparel, jewelry, shoes, watches, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Prime Pantry, Amazon Prime Now or add-on items.
21. Request A Ride
Once a consumer has set up an account with Uber or Lyft and the payment options are fulfilled, they can request a driver from Alexa. By saying, “Alexa, ask Lyft to request a ride” a consumer is nearly ready-to-go. While your wish is Alexa’s command, the ride fare is debited automatically from your account.
20. Order Pizza
By setting up an Easy Order and enabling the Domino’s Pizza skill, the consumer can order pizza effortlessly. By saying “Alexa, open Domino’s and place my Easy Order,” the pizza is ordered. Furthermore, the consumer can check the status of their order on the Domino’s Tracker updates. Pizza Hut also has an Alexa skill if you want to order from there.
19. Order Flowers
Simply saying, “Alexa, tell 1-800-Flowers to send flowers to Mom,” the user is able to expeditiously send a Mother’s Day gift. First off, a 1-800-Flowers account is required to enable this skill. Once the consumer is connected, they can easily order a bouquet. To be noted, the user needs to tell the company the addresses for the contacts, the arrangement style, and the preferred size. On the whole, payment info needs to be entered ahead of an order.
18. Pair Alcoholic Beverages With Food
Beverage recommendations based on what you are eating are suggested by MySomm. In sum, hundreds of recommendations in regards to ‘what goes with what’ are available. To activate the function, say “Alexa, ask Wine Gal to recommend a wine for a Pesto Fettuccine.”
17. Personal Trainer
Training gets a whole lot easier when the user asks, “Alexa, start the 7-minute workout.” This function suggests reportedly tested exercises that’ll increase metabolism, improve energy and reduce fat. For the consumer who needs to make the most of their time, Alexa’s Personal Trainer function is a great tool.
16. Plan A Get-Away
Just like an assistant, Alexa is capable of helping consumers book travel on Kayak.com. By specifically telling Alexa the budget you’re working with, a more concise search is made. To utilize this travel-savvy feature, a consumer need only inquire “Alexa, ask Kayak where I can go for $400.”
15. Play & Stream Music
Using Amazon’s music library, the consumer is able to launch playlists. These playlists are based on specific activities, eras, artists, and even your mood. Stream music using Alexa from a variety of services like Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Pandora, and SiriusXM.
The best-known command of Alexa is to play music which can be done by asking, “Alexa, play Classical Music.” Yet it’s also possible to stream the music. For this, Prime Music or Amazon Music Unlimited is needed.
If the user has Amazon Music Unlimited, then they’ll also need to go ahead and subscribe to the Family Plan. Then by going to Multi-Room Music section in the Settings menu on the Alexa app, users can follow the directions. After which, they will be able to easily stream the music of their selection throughout the home.
14. Play Games
By asking “Alexa, play Trivia games,” a user transforms into a player. Other games are available like Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock, Chess, 20 questions, Bingo, Jeopardy, and Tic-Tac-Toe. To learn more about the game selection, check out the Games, Trivia & Accessories webpage from Amazon.
Another popular game that is an Alexa skill is Yes Sire, where you are the lord of a realm and have to make many decisions.
13. Pregnancy Advice
New moms will love the Everyday Health’s What to Expect skill for Alexa. In essence, it provides daily and weekly tips, guides, and advice for expectant parents. Moreover, it’s customized to the due date of the pregnancy. In the long run, it’s capable of providing advice for the first year of your newborn’s life, too.
12. Program A Song As An Alarm
Wake-up to the preselected soundtrack of your choice. This is accomplished by telling Alexa to play a song, radio station, or music genre at a particular time. For instance, “Alexa, wake me up to Classic Rock music at 6 am.”
11. Send Voice Messages
Any contact of yours who also owns an Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Show and has enabled calling is displayed in the Alexa contacts list. Send a message by saying, “Alexa, send [name] a message.” The message will send to the respective Echo device and Alexa app on the recipient’s phone.
10. Start Your Car
Start your car and warm it up before you get inside. Select Hyundai autos with the Blue Link feature can be started remotely. Moreover, one can lock and unlock the doors. The driver can change the interior temperature and turn on the horn and lights, by using the Blue Link Skill. Mercedes, BMW, and Ford vehicles offer similar skills too.
9. Get a Good Night’s Rest
The most used function on most Echo devices is playing some kind of music or sounds. If you have trouble sleeping, one of the most popular skills of all time on the Echo is Zen Sounds: Healing Sounds. The audio is of high quality and consists of 1 hour streams rather than short little audio clips.
Another one of my favorites is Ambient Sounds, which consists of thunderstorms, rain, ocean, bubbling brooks, and lots more.
8. Solves Quick Math Problems
Quick calculations or conversions, especially while cooking or dealing with foreign currencies can be problematic. Yet with Alexa, currencies or measurements are easily converted. Even mathematic equations are solved without the need for a calculator. Difficult tasks are solved by asking “Alexa, how many ounces are in a liter?” or “Alexa, convert 10 dollars to pound.”
7. Tell A Bedtime Story
Just by saying “Alexa, tell a bedtime story to [child’s name]” parents have an instantaneous storyteller at beck and call. Alexa is capable of helping with story time. Moreover, the Bedtime Story skill is ultimately personalized to the child’s preference.
6. Tune A Guitar
Enable the Guitar Tuner skill to use Alexa like a pitch pipe and tune strings on a guitar. Ultimately, Alexa plays a tune and the user has to tune their strings until its sound matches the note played. This is a clever musical tool.
5. Turn The Lights Off
By saying, “Alexa turn off my connected lights,” the user is able to turn off the lights without moving. A key point to remember is that the consumer needs a connected device like a WeMo smart plug for this skill to work. Other companies like Lutron, Samsung SmartThings, Philips Hue and Control4 offer similar skills for turning off the lights too.
4. Track An Amazon Purchase
Track an Amazon purchase by asking, “Alexa, where’s my package?” or stating, “Alexa, track my order.” Although details are not included, it will tell the consumer the expected arrival date of their delivery.
3. Use It As An Intercom
Utilize this intercom option to pipe into Echo speakers that are placed within a house. Providing a direct line of communication to the Echo devices around the house, messages are relayed quickly. Say, “Alexa, drop in on the living room,” then whatever is said will be played through the Echo speaker in the living room.
2. Watch TV
By connecting Alexa to a Logitech Harmony remote, voice-activated commands eliminate the need to push buttons. By saying, “Alexa, turn on my TV” or “Alexa, pause,” the command is automatically sent and received. Additionally, Dish customers are quite capable of controlling their satellite TV box using Alexa as well.
1. Word Of The Day
Learn something new every day with the Word Of The Day skill. On the whole, increasing vocabulary is more interesting with the Word Of The Day function. This smart command shares the definition of the word and it also uses the word in a sentence.
Whew! That’s a lot of commands and skills! I’m sure this list will be out of date within a year, so I’ll be sure to come back and update it with new features and skills that Alexa will gain. Enjoy!
