This is going to be a quickie… I just wanted to share a fun new use for the Amazon Echo Dot that I discovered yesterday. Easy workout timers! What’s that? If you workout and need to do timed exercises, it’s a pain to use a stopwatch. In the past, I’ve either tried to count in my head which isn’t very accurate, or I’ve used my phone’s clock app to count down the time. Getting the phone where I can see it while trying to hold the exercise position can be a pain (literally). Yesterday I started working out again after a 2.5-week layoff due to my back going out (ouch!). I’m trying to focus more on core strength and wanted to do some plank exercises. It suddenly occurred to me that I could just ask Alexa to set a timer for 30 seconds as soon as I got into the position. This worked perfectly and may become one of my favorite uses for the Amazon Echo Dot. What is your favorite use for the Echo?
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That’s a cool idea Julie.
My favorite function for the Echo is to add things to my schedule. Rather than pull out my phone to enter an event on my calendar, I just tell Alexa to do it and she asks me for the name, day and time and it’s done. SO much better than punching it out on my phone!
I do that too when I think of it. Thanks for the reminder!
I’ve got my Echo linked to some TP-Link WiFi outlets. My favorite thing to do is to ask Alexa to turn lights on and off in my house. I’ve also got her linked up through a Logitech Harmony and IFTT to turn on/off the TV for me. That one can be a little flaky on operation, thought it’s always a lot of fun when it works.
I read recently that Ford is updating the Sync 3 car audio system to be able to ask Alexa to start the car and set the heat/air conditioning for you. I knew there was a good reason I waited so long to buy a new car!
Starting a car using Alexa sounds very Jetsons! 😉
Julie
I want to thank you for passing along how use the Amazon APP to bypass Amazon’s rediculous requirement that you need to own an echo to order a echo dot.
I followed your directions and my echo dot is shipping next month – slight back order problem. But you solved a conundrum which was really bugging me and I am sincerely grateful.
You’re welcome! Enjoy!