What is Amazon Alexa and What Can It Do?

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

• What Amazon Alexa is.
• Explore examples of how Amazon Alexa works.

Before We Begin:

• Have your smartphone nearby if you wish to try out some of the examples of Alexa

2. What Is Amazon Alexa?

What is Amazon Alexa?Alexa is the name of Amazon’s voice-based smart home assistant. Named for the Library of Alexandria, Alexa is actually the name of the Artificial Intelligence program Amazon uses for both its devices and its app. The name, Alexa, is also the wake word for Amazon devices.

Ways to Interact With Amazon Alexa

Alexa can be used to control your Amazon smart devices. Alexa is also an app on your smartphone.

Amazon Smart Speakers

Alexa is available on every Amazon Smart Speaker simply by saying "Alexa", then asking a question, or giving an instruction.

Amazon Smart Displays

Also available on every Amazon Smart Display simply by saying "Alexa", then asking a question, or giving an instruction. Everything you love about Alexa, and now she can show you things. Get the weather forecast, watch the news, and see lyrics with Amazon Music.

Amazon Echo Companions

Also available on every Amazon Echo Companion simply by saying "Alexa", then asking a question, or giving an instruction. Enjoy richer, more dynamic music with devices designed to work with Echo smart speakers or your existing sound system.

Alexa App

The Alexa app allows you to add Smart Home components to your Amazon account that Alexa can control.

What Amazon Alexa Can Help With

Alexa can interact with a huge variety of different searchable data, media, media playback, and thanks to new smart home products, it can assist you with managing your home, as well.

Answer Your Questions

Alexa can answer many of your questions, such as "How tall is the Empire State Building?" or "How many cups in a quart?" fast and easy, with the answer spoken to you. 

Plan Your Day

Alexa can help with the weather, and access your calendar. You can get a weather report to tell if you need the umbrella, and get a rundown of your meetings at work for the day.

Media Playback

You can have Alexa start playing your favorite playlists from the most popular music streaming services, identify songs you hear on the radio or in your favorite shows, or start watching your favorite series on supported services such as YouTube and Netflix.

Get Directions

Asking for directions to your a specific address, or simply the name of a business or type of business, will often get you the results you want quickly and easily. You'll get directions for walking, driving, as well as public transportation in most cities.

Control Your Smart Devices

Adding your smart home devices allows you to extend the voice control of Alexa to your whole home. Asking Alexa to turn on the bedroom lights, lock the front door, even enable the alarm are all possible, depending on the capabilities of the systems you have.

Make Purchases on Amazon

You'll need an Amazon account, but Alexa allows you to make purchases using your voice. For instance, if you decide you need some paper towels, you can shout out your request to Alexa, and within days, your order will arrive at your doorstep.

3. How to Link Your Device with Amazon Alexa

Show Me How

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