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9 cool things you may not know Alexa can do

2 min
Alexa features
If you've recently gotten a new Alexa device, you may be in the midst of setting it up and testing out all of its fun features.

You’re probably aware of the fact that Alexa can tell you the time, the weather, and the top headlines of the day—or that it can set timers, answer questions and play music. But did you know Alexa can find your lost mobile, or act as an intercom system?

Alexa is smarter than you may realize, and there are tons of cool things it can do to entertain you and make your life easier. Here are just a few features you may want to try out.

PAGE OVERVIEW
Find your phone
  • TABLE OF CONTENTS
    Find your phone
  • Find your phone
  • Play games
  • Tell jokes and stories
  • Control smart home devices
  • Whisper
  • Speak faster
  • Work as a home intercom
  • Streamline your day with Routines
If you've recently gotten a new Alexa device, you may be in the midst of setting it up and testing out all of its fun features.

You’re probably aware of the fact that Alexa can tell you the time, the weather, and the top headlines of the day—or that it can set timers, answer questions and play music. But did you know Alexa can find your lost mobile, or act as an intercom system?

Alexa is smarter than you may realize, and there are tons of cool things it can do to entertain you and make your life easier. Here are just a few features you may want to try out.

  • 1.
    Find your phone

    Next time you misplace your cell phone, Alexa can help. Once you have Alexa Calling enabled, all you have to do is say, “Alexa, find my phone" and Alexa will ring it for you so you can track it down quickly.

    Alexa Find My Phone Feature

  • 2.
    Play games

    Alexa can play all sorts of games with you, from trivia to card games. It's a great way for the whole family to stay entertained without having to pick up a controller or a board game. You can ask Alexa to play specific games, like Heads up! or Jeopardy, and you can also simply say "Alexa, let's play a game," and you'll be presented with a list of options.

  • 3.
    Tell jokes and stories

    In the mood to be entertained? You can ask Alexa to tell you a joke or story. Alexa has access to thousands of jokes, stories, and other fun facts that can be shared with you or your kids.

    Alexa Tell Me a Joke Feature

  • 4.
    Control smart home devices

    Alexa can be paired with compatible smart home devices that you can then control with your voice. For example, you can ask Alexa to turn on the TV, or lock your front door if you have a compatible keyless smart lock. Alexa can also turn on lights and control your aircon with an easy command.

  • 5.
    Whisper

    Alexa can automatically whisper if you don't want to create too much noise. You don't even have to say anything specific to get Alexa to whisper–simply whisper your command, and Alexa will respond back in a quiet voice.

    Alexa Whisper Mode

  • 6.
    Speak faster

    Some people prefer that Alexa speak a little quicker, and it's very easy to make that happen. All you need to do is say "Alexa, speak faster" and Alexa will start speaking more quickly. You can also change the speed back by saying "Alexa, speak slower."

  • 7.
    Work as a home intercom

    If you have multiple Alexa-enabled devices in your home, they can be used to make announcements or check in on one another. Just say "Alexa, announce dinner is ready" and Alexa will send the announcements to all your devices. You can also use Alexa-enabled devices like an intercom system by asking Alexa to “drop in on the Kitchen” (or wherever your other devices may be) and be connected to that device, allowing you to quickly and easily communicate with those around the home, without having to shout down the hall.

  • 8.
    Streamline your day with Routines

    Alexa Routines can help automate your day by grouping together actions so you don’t have to ask for each one separately. For example, when you say “Alexa, good morning,” Alexa can kick off your day by turning on the lights, giving you the weather forecast, and starting your favorite playlist. You can schedule Routines to start with a voice command, at a specific time of day, when someone walks into the room, or even when Alexa detects a specific sound.

  • PAGE OVERVIEW
  • 1
    Find your phone
  • 2
    Play games
  • 3
    Tell jokes and stories
  • 4
    Control smart home devices
  • 5
    Whisper
  • 6
    Speak faster
  • 7
    Work as a home intercom
  • 8
    Streamline your day with Routines