Alexa Cast | An Unofficial Journey of an Amazon Echo User

00:11 Alexa, Tell Me a Dad Joke00:33 Alexa Read the Book (title) on Audible01:01 Alex Play the Podcast (Title)01:43 Alexa Drop In on (Room Name)02:48 Alexa Open Box of CatsOur website is www.alecacast.comMentioned in this episode:Power of Podcasting NetworkFind this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.comPower of Podcasting

As I record this, the skylines of some large cities in the united states have serious smoke issues in their skyline. There are some air purifiers that can help clean the air of your home. You can also use these devices to monitor and then trigger other Alexa enabled devices.Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa– A Certified for Humans DeviceAmazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa– A Certified for Humans Device. This is a great "IF" tool if you are trying to set up a "IF this happens, then do This." For example you might have it say when the temperature goes over this temperature, turn on a fan. Check it out on Amazon.Wyze Air Purifier with Allergen filterThis device has three different types of filters you can use. There is an Allergen Filter, a Wildfire Filter, and a Formaldehyde Filter. The unit is super quiet. The precision sensor scans the surrounding air for airborne particles, measures air quality down to 0.3 microns, and adjusts automatically. I named mine, "Dusty" and I can login to the Wyze app and see my air quality.Check it out on AmazonFiltrete Smart Air Purifier & Air Quality MonitorDesigned with the auto-mode in mind to clear your air automatically, electronic touch controls, light dimmer and filter life indicator that shows the percentage left on your filter’s life. Filters last approximately six months. Check it out on AmazonLEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Large RoomH13 True HEPA Filtration. The compact frame and 360° design help the Core 200S purify the air wherever you put it, refreshing the air 5x per hour in rooms as large as 183 ft² / 17 m². While the ultra-fine Nylon Pre-Filter and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter capture large particles and absorb odors and fumes. While the ultra-fine Nylon Pre-Filter and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter capture large particles and absorb odors and fumesCheck it out on AmazonLasko Smart Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter, Removes 99.97% of Smoke, Odors, Pet Dander, Virus Sized Particles, Pollen, Dust and Mold.Simply say “Alexa, Turn on Air Purifier”, or “Alexa, Set Air Purifier Speed to 4” to enjoy a cleaner environment. 2-stage filtration protects against the top airborne irritants common in most environments. The activated carbon filter removes smoke, VOCs & odors; HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne irritants such as virus-sized particles, mold, pet dander, pollen, dust & other allergens down to 0.3 microns. 2-stage filtration protects against the top airborne irritants common in most environments. Alexa, Set DreamMode” will operate the DreamMode function which uses ultra-low speed & dimmed display lights to create an ideal sleep environment; Lasko purifiers for home are ETL listed, and come with trusted safety fuse technology.Check it out on Amazon*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchasesMentioned in this episode:Power of Podcasting NetworkFind this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.comPower of Podcasting

On this episode of Alexa Cast, we're diving into the world of smart home devices and routines. We'll explore the basics of getting started with routines, finding inspiration within the Alexa app's pre-made templates, and customizing routines to suit individual needs. Dave shares insightful tips and tricks, such as utilizing Fire TV actions to add to your routines and incorporating a "DND" (do not disturb) technique during reading time. We'll also discuss the usefulness of routines, including morning and nighttime routines, screen time tracking, and more. Join us for an informative and entertaining episode that will leave you eager to explore the possibilities of creating routines with Alexa."Mentioned In This EpisodeFire TVAmazon Alexa PageAlexa Routines Page on Amazon*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchasesKey Points- Introduction of the topic of smart home devices and routines- Using the featured routines in the Alexa app as templates- Using Fire TV actions to enhance routines- Creating custom routines with Alexa based on scheduled times- Different routines available on Alexa, including good morning routine, start my day routine, screen time routine, weather after alarm routine, and good night routine- Customizing routines for individual preferences- Introducing the concept of creating routines with Alexa and the limitless possibilities- Cool examples of routines include scheduling porch lights to turn on automatically, nightlight and sleep sounds routine, and Alexa Guard routine- Sharing routines with friends and family- Explanation of what routines are and how they work- Personal anecdote about using routines to announce dinner time- Tips for creating a productive and calming environment with routines- How to create a "start my day" routine and enable routines through voice commands or the Alexa app- Gratitude towards listeners and recommending the podcast to Alexa owners- Daily stock market updates - Using Fire TV actions to add actions to routinesMentioned in this episode:Power of Podcasting NetworkFind this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.comPower of Podcasting

Today is Prime Day in cases you didn't know. If you're not sure what Amazon Prime is, it's a program where you get free shipping and so much more. More Information (aff link) Speaker Groups You can set up different speakers to be a group. I set up an "Everywhere" group where every device is set to it. Then I set up my notifications to be announced "everywhere." This way instead of having my notification only be on the device on my desk, if I'm in the kitchen I will be notified on the device in the kitchen (and living room, etc). Alexa can even send notifications to your phone (great if you're not home).  In the app, you can have it turn on the "yellow circle" if you miss the notification.   Prime Deals on Amazon Products MORE INFORMATION (AFF LINK)   Mentioned in this episode:Power of Podcasting NetworkFind this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.comPower of Podcasting

While Amazon Prime Day is October 13th there are also some really cool deals in the Smart Home area and plugs, cameras, echo and other devices are having their prices slashed. Expect to hear a little more from me over the next few days.  CHECK OUT THESE DEALS Mentioned in this episode:Power of Podcasting NetworkFind this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.comPower of Podcasting

Amazon Announced some new products and new features. New HardWare Echo Show 10 Third Generation: The screen now swivels and follows you.  13-megapixel camera. Brushless motor - silent Check it out on Amazon New Fire Stick Latest release of our best-selling streaming device - 50% more powerful than previous gen for fast streaming in Full HD. Includes Alexa Voice Remote with power and volume buttons. Less clutter, more control - Alexa Voice Remote lets you use your voice to search and launch shows across apps. Plus, control power and volume on your TV and soundbar with a single remote. Home theater audio with Dolby Atmos - Feel scenes come to life with immersive Dolby Atmos audio on select titles with compatible home audio systems. Tens of thousands of channels, Alexa skills, and apps - Including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and HBO. Subscription fees may apply. 500,000+ movies and TV episodes - With thousands included in your Prime membership. Live TV - Watch your favorite live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others. Free TV - Access over 20,000 free movies and TV shows from apps like IMDb TV, Tubi, Pluto TV and more Check out the new Fire Stick TV Echo Dot Fourth Generation The new spherical version has a better speaker, an optional clock, and a kids version. Check out the Echo Dot on Amazon   Luna Amazon's cloud gaming service where it's easy to play great games on devices you already own. More information New Amazon Alexa/Echo Features Group Calling - makes it easier to call a group (family, friends). Alexa call (name of group) Zoom Meetings and Amazon Chime - Just say, “Alexa, join my Zoom meeting,” or “Alexa, start my Chime meeting,” to join a video meeting on select Echo Show devices. Video Effects - Cause you need bubbles in your 10 AM meeting... Care Hub - Stay in touch with aging family members so they can say Alexa, call for help and have it come to you. Gaurd Plus - Play dog or siren sounds if someone breaks in. Subscribe and have Alexa call for help. Increased Privacy - Alexa, delete everything I've said. Food Planning - Plan meals for the week by adding items to your Whole Foods Market or Amazon Fresh cart, and once your delivery arrives, ask, “Alexa, what's for dinner” to see personalized recipes based on what you just had delivered. Sound Detectors - Example: create a Routine that turns the light on in the bedroom to help you wake up when Alexa detects the sound of a baby crying, or one that turns on white noise when your partner starts to snore at night. Netflix- Coming soon Music Sharing - Alexa, share this song with (name). They can listen through the Alexa App Reading Sidekick - Let Alexa teach your kids to read. Alexa Profile For Kids - She switches to recognizes and switches to "kid mode" when she detects a child on all devices.     Mentioned in this episode:Power of Podcasting NetworkFind this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.comPower of Podcasting

Originally I thought I was going to be able to take this Echo with a screen and watch YouTube, Apple+ Amazon Prime, and all the other video items I do on a Fire TV stick. While you can it's not as easy.    The video on the Echo Show is more for video calls. They do make it easy for the Food channel (which is great if you have the unit in the kitchen). It also has what appears to be a Hulu app. If you want YouTube you have to open a browser (so again, not as easy as a Fire TV system).    I do like it when I ask to see my calendar it puts it up on the screen. This is the same with my grocery list, flash briefing items, and more. I purchased this for the kitchen but it ended up in my bedroom. At first, I thought I was going to have to manually turn the brightness down, but it turns out if you turn the lights off in your room, the Echo Show can figure this out and it dims automatically, and makes the clock much bigger.    There are other things you can have scroll on the screen. I have uploaded some photographs to my Amazon account and these can be rotated throughout the screen. If you had someone in a nursing home, you could set this up to share images on their screen (assuming you are controlling their account).    I also was amazed at the sound quality of the speakers in the Echo Show 8. It has some bottom-end for such little speakers and it has some volume. All in all, I'm happy with it, and already thinking of getting another one.    Originally I was going to get an Echo Spot, but for just a little more money the Echo Show is a much better deal I feel.    If you like the show tell a friend or consider donating to support the show. Mentioned in this episode:Power of Podcasting NetworkFind this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.comPower of Podcasting

I love reminders. I have a Monday morning meeting. I have it setup (via the app) to remind me every Monday 10 minutes before the meeting. That reminder is announced in my office. What if I'm not in my office? I might miss the alarm.    Reminders On All Devices To get started, open the Alexa app on your phone and select Reminders & Alarms from the menu. Tap Reminders and select Add Reminder. Then type what you want Alexa to remind you about, as well as the date and time you'd like the announcement to be made. Tap Announces From and select All Devices. Now when you set a reminder, Alexa will broadcast it across all your Echo speakers.     Drop In On Your Entire House Dropping in on all devices can be helpful when you're out of the house and need to quickly talk to someone at home (you can do this through the Alexa app), For example, if you want to have a discussion with your family about what to have for dinner. When you're out, you have no idea what room of the house someone is in, so take the guesswork out and drop in on all of them.    Just say, "Alexa, drop in on all devices" to get started.    Shopping On Amazon? Do consider going to www.alexacast.com and using the links on the site.    Mentioned in this episode:Power of Podcasting NetworkFind this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.comPower of Podcasting