If you’re only asking your smart speaker to play your favorite playlist or set timers, you’re missing out. With the right commands, this device can help you cook, save time, and even ensure home safety. Here are 10 surprising things your smart speaker can do for you.
10. Your Personal Storyteller
When you’re feeling bored, your smart speaker can be an endless source of entertainment. Ask it to share a fun fact, tell a joke, or even read you an audiobook. For parents, this can be a lifesaver, as many smart speakers have features specifically for children, including interactive stories. This can be a great way to keep kids entertained without resorting to screens.
9. A Wellness Coach
In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. Your smart speaker can guide you through meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices. With apps like Headspace, you can access guided sessions to help you reduce stress and anxiety.
8. A Modern-Day Intercom System
Remember the crackly intercoms of the past? Smart speakers have brought this feature into the modern world. If you have multiple devices in your home, you can use them to make announcements to the entire house or have a two-way conversation with someone in another room. Finally, no more shouting up the stairs!
7. Your Phone Finder
We’ve all been there: frantically searching for a misplaced phone. Instead of turning your things upside down, just ask your smart speaker to find the phone for you. With a simple command, your speaker can make your phone ring, even if it’s on silent. This feature can save you a lot of time and frustration, ending the panic of a lost device.
6. Your Personal News Anchor
Stay informed without lifting a finger. You can customize your smart speaker to give you a personalized news briefing from your trusted sources. Whether you want to hear the latest headlines or get updates on your local news, your smart speaker can deliver a curated news experience just for you. It’s a convenient way to catch up on the day’s events while getting ready in the morning.
5. A Language-Learning Companion
Your smart speaker can also be a helpful language-learning partner. You can ask for translations, practice conversations, and improve your pronunciation. With AI-powered language learning, you can practice real-life situations and get instant feedback, making it an effective way to become fluent in a new language.
4. A Hands-Free Sous Chef
In the kitchen, your smart speaker can be an invaluable assistant. You can ask it to read recipes, set timers, and convert measurements, all without touching it with messy hands. Some smart displays can even show cooking videos, making it easier to follow complex recipes.
3. A Guardian for Independent Living
For elderly individuals or those with disabilities, smart speakers can be a lifeline. They can help with daily routines, provide medication reminders, and offer a way to contact family or caregivers. These devices can empower people to live more independently and provide peace of mind for their loved ones.
2. A Seeing Eye for the Visually Impaired
One of the lesser-known features of smart displays (with a built-in camera) is their ability to assist visually impaired users. With Amazon’s “Show and Tell” feature, a user can hold up an item and ask, “Alexa, what am I holding?” The device will identify the object, offering a new level of independence for those with low vision.
1. A Lifesaving Emergency Dispatcher
With a subscription service like Alexa Emergency Assist, your smart speaker can become a direct line to a 24/7 urgent response center. Just say, “Alexa, call for help,” to connect with agents who can dispatch police, ambulance, or fire services. The system can also store your medical information to help first responders, providing an added layer of security.