Amazon Echo: A User's Guide

Although it looks like a fancy speaker, the Amazon Echo is so much more, with its own artifical intelligence named Alexa. You might be surprised by everything this virtual assistant can do using a simple voice command.

Whether you're already enjoying everything that Alexa can do for you, or you've yet to adopt this exciting technology, here's our user's guide to help you get the most from it.

What Can Alexa Do?

To get all the benefits of home automation and other voice command tasks, your Amazon Echo must be compatible with the devices you want to control. Any new devices you buy will tell you on the box if they're compatible with Amazon Alexa, and the specially built apps that work with Alexa are called skills. You'll need a special app or Alexa Skill for every different thing Alexa does for you.

Alexa will make your life easier by:

• Streaming your favourite music
• Setting alarms and timers
• Searching the web for answers to your questions
• Telling you the latest news and weather
• Simplifying your home automation by acting as a central hub
• Making phone calls
• Using your other Echo speakers as an intercom system
• Playing games
• Letting you know who's at the front door
• Checking your emails
• Going online to shop using your computer or tablet
• Suggesting things for you to do

There are new features being added all the time, and you can program multi-step requests. You might be surprised to learn that your virtual assistant has a sense of humour, so go ahead and ask Alexa some questions and have a bit of fun with it.

Compatible with Somfy's IFTTT

Amazon Alexa can also connect to IFTTT (If This Then That) which is a free web-based service that helps you connect your devices. You can download the app and set it up to connect to Somfy’s Connexoon Window RTS to automate your window coverings using voice command.

Imagine getting home after a long day at work with your arms full, the place is dark and your blinds are open, leaving you with little privacy. This is where Alexa steps in to close the blinds around the house and turn the lights on for you.

Easy Set Up

Getting your Amazon Echo set up shouldn't be a problem for most people. Just download the free Alexa app onto your smart phone or tablet, use your current Amazon log in or create an account, plug your Echo in and go to settings in your app. Select 'Set Up New Device' and choose the type of Echo you have, then follow the prompts to input your Wi-Fi settings and Alexa will do the rest.

Connecting your Amazon Echo device to your Connexoon Window RTS is easy too! Download our Amazon Echo Quick Start Guide today to get started!

Interested in Home Automation Solutions?

Home automation is a fast-growing lifestyle choice to save time and energy, and thanks to creative ideas and help from Somfy, it's even easier to automate everyday home tasks, even when you're not home.

For over 50 years, Somfy has provided quality automation solutions for homes and businesses. You can count on us for incredible customer service.

Contact us today for a quote from your local Somfy Expert.