Due to how popular Alexa is, almost all smart home devices like smart lights, locks, speakers, televisions can be controlled with it. However, with several options to go for, it can be hard to decide on the one to choose. Not to worry, we can help with that. In this article, we explore a list of 5 best products that work with Amazon Alexa.
After carefully testing lots of devices across several categories, we have your answer as to which ones are the very best options in the market. They are quite affordable as well so you do not have to worry about hurting your pocket.
1. Amazon Fire TV Cube
This is a very effective streaming device available right now. It allows you to use Amazon’s assistant to control your television, cable box and other streaming equipment.
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Amazon Fire TV Cube possesses a decent UI, brilliant 4K HDR photo quality, and streaming apps like Hulu, Sling, DirecTV Now. On top of that, it also comes with an Alexa remote for you to navigate manually when you are tired of talking.
2. Philips Hue White LED Starter Kit
Philip sells various kinds of LED lights, however, their basic Hue White Starter kit comes with 2 bulbs plus a little hub that connects the lights to your Wi-Fi.
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From there, users can command Alexa to ensure the lights are dimmed and the bulbs will respond. Please note that the bulbs cannot change color.
3. Lifx Mini
Still on the topic of products that work with Alexa. This smart bulb can connect straight to your Wi-Fi network, making setup much quicker. At only 2.2 inches long, this device will suit several desk lamps and small light fixtures.
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Just turn the lights on and set their brightness, color, and schedule, and you are good to go. Users are allowed to produce lighting effects as well.
4. WeMo Mini
This is a decent smart plug that functions with Alexa, it is quite slim and very easy to work with. WeMo Mini can be controlled straight from your mobile device or you can schedule it to turn on and off automatically. This device is also compatible with HomeKit and Google Assistant.
5. Arlo Q
This is a proper home security camera that is very simple to use. It comes with an amazing 1080p video and Alexa can be used to see a live feed from the device via the Amazon Echo Show and Amazon Echo Spot, making it a possible baby monitor.
More Information About Alexa:
Amazon Alexa, known simply as Alexa, is a virtual assistant AI developed by Amazon, first used in the Amazon Echo and the Amazon Echo Dot smart speakers developed by Amazon Lab126.
It is capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, sports, and other real-time information, such as news.
Alexa can also control several smart devices using itself as a home automation system. Users are able to extend the Alexa capabilities by installing “skills” (additional functionality developed by third-party vendors, in other settings more commonly called apps such as weather programs and audio features).
Most devices with Alexa allow users to activate the device using a wake-word (such as Alexa); other devices (such as the Amazon mobile app on iOS or Android and Amazon Dash Wand) require the user to push a button to activate Alexa’s listening mode, although, some phones also allow a user to say a command, such as “Alexa” or “Alexa wake”.
Currently, interaction and communication with Alexa are available only in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Hindi. In Canada, Alexa is available in English and French (with the Quebec accent).
Amazon developers chose the name Alexa because it has a hard consonant with the X, which helps it be recognized with higher precision. They have said the name is reminiscent of the Library of Alexandria, which is also used by Amazon Alexa Internet for the same reason.
In June 2015, Amazon announced the Alexa Fund, a program that would invest in companies making voice control skills and technologies. The US$200 million funds have invested in companies including Jargon, ecobee, Orange Chef, Scout Alarm, Garageio, Toymail, MARA, and Mojio. In 2016, the Alexa Prize was announced to further advance the technology.
There you have it – a comprehensive list of best products that work with Alexa. If you have any personal favorites or other recommendations, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.