Beyond the Stacks: A blog from the MD LBPD

 Tech Tips: A Day in the

 Life of an Amazon Echo

Contributed by Jerry Price, Assistive Technology Specialist

5 AM:  I wake the humans for their work day.  While I have a general alarm sound, the humans have chosen a custom wake station.

5:02 AM:  The humans inquire about weather, humidity and pollen count.  They also inquire about new emails and shipping notifications.  The pollen count is a skill that can be added from Zyrtec.  Email must be connected to me through my app.

  

5:30 AM:  The humans ask to listen to a local radio station in order to learn what’s been happening in their locale.  I have the capability of playing thousands of radio stations from around the world.

6 AM:  I am asked to play classical music for the dog.  I have at my disposal dozens of custom music stations pre-programmed by Amazon, or I can access one of several classic radio stations from around the globe.  Usually I am asked to play KUSC from Los Angeles.  If you wish to read a newspaper or magazine, I can also connect to NFB Newline.  I can even connect to the Metropolitan Washington Ear.  

6:30 AM:  I am asked about appointments and reminders.  I can store appointments for all family members.  I can even create separate profiles.  

7:00 AM:  The work day begins.  Sometimes I am asked to play tech podcasts such as Dot to Dot, which highlights one of my skills, or RNIB Tech Talk, which reveals the latest in assistive technology.  I can also play Double Tap Radio, which is a series of live and recorded podcasts with a focus on technology for the blind.

8 AM:  As the work day progresses, I am sometimes asked to drop in on the office Echo upstairs.  This allows me to be used as an intercom.  I can also make phone calls, send text messages, or even make the coffee if a Wi-Fi coffeemaker is connected to me.

10 AM:  Time for a quick break.  I can give the latest news updates from dozens of news sources, play a stimulating game, or just help you relax with some guided meditation.  Want a quick workout?  I can do that, too!

12 PM:  Time for lunch.  I can suggest restaurants that deliver, give you some quick recipe ideas, or order pizza.  If you are considering dining out later, I can set up a reservation through my Open Table skill.

3:30 PM:  The work day is done!  Time to enjoy reading a book through Kindle or Audible.  Maybe play a challenging game of Family Trivial Pursuit, Song Quiz, or one of hundreds of other games.  Afternoon sports?  I have you covered there, too, as you can listen to hockey or football through the TuneIn Live subscription or connect to MLB and the NBA through my app.  

5 PM:  Let’s watch TV or a movie.  With an Echo Show, you can watch Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu and more.  I can even help you search for an interesting program to watch.  All you have to do is ask.  If you have an Alexa microwave, I can even make the popcorn!  Out of popcorn?  Just ask me to order it.  Feeling nostalgic and want to listen to some old-time radio?  I can play podcasts from a specific show or play live radio streams.  There are dozens from which to choose.

Just a reminder, I can also control the thermostat, dim the lights, or turn on devices that are connected to a smart plug.  With an Echo Show, I can make video calls to family members or identify items through my Show and Tell feature (just make sure you have the 10-inch Show).  Need an Uber ride or LYFT?  Yes, I can do that!

8 PM:  I can make reading or viewing recommendations, assist with household questions through my Wiki How skill, add items to your store list or To-Do list, take notes, and 10,000 other things!