It seems like every time we blink, more and more devices are adding functionality for Google Home and Amazon Alexa, giving users the choice between platforms when it comes to convenient voice control commands for their smart home technology.
The trick with voice commands, however, is that you need to know what they are in order to get them to work right! Sure, you could spend an entire afternoon of your time just saying random words at your smart speaker to see which ones actually do something – or you could let us do the hard work for you! So, if you are using Google Home or Alexa commands, here’s a list of some uncommon phrases you might not be aware of that can help you control your smart home just that much easier.
Google Home Command – Find Your Phone
We’ve all been there. It happens to the best of us. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just can’t find your phone.
Have no fear – your Google Home is here! With a simple “OK Google, find my phone” your Google Home will ask if you really want to call your number, and then once you give it the go ahead, it will call your phone. (Oh, and Alexa devices can do this, too!)
Even better – if you are using an Android phone, Google Home can make your phone ring even if you put it on silent and THEN lose it, so consider all your bases covered here.
Alexa Command – Home is Where the Heart is
There’s nothing like coming home after a long day of work – or at least moving to the living room after a long day of working in the home office.
No matter where you are coming back home from, though, wouldn’t it be great if your house could greet you? If all you had to do was issue one little voice command and your whole house sprang to life?
Alexa’s got your back. All you need to do is set up a routine and then say “Alexa, I’m home.” Whatever actions you set up as the routine will all happen, so you can easily set your lights, music, and heat to all turn on at the same time through this little Alexa routine.
Google Home Command – Rememberall
We already made sure that you won’t lose your phone around the house, but what about other things you are trying to remember? Maybe you are in the middle of a movie and want to jot down a quick reminder for your big, upcoming work presentation, or maybe you have your hands full cooking diner and need to throw a few items you just used the last of on to your shopping list.
Hands free is the way to be! Try “OK Google, remember that I … ” and then mention what you want it to remember. Whether it’s buying eggs for home or maximizing portfolio trades for work, your little digital assistant can do all the remembering for you.
Alexa Command --- Here’s Some Cheese for that Wine
Putting together a meal for the whole family can be tricky enough, but what happens when the in-laws decide to surprise you and show up for dinner? That mac and cheese might need something to spruce it up a bit, if you – or them – are going to make it all the way through the meal.
“Alexa, what wine goes well with ...?” is all you need to say, and your personal assistant will give you a few different options to pick from. Quick, easy, and painless – it’s the exact opposite of surprise in-law drop-ins. Thank you, Alexa.
Google Home Command: Star Wars
OK, this one made this list not for its practicality, but for pop culture related purposes. While you are enjoying watching the most recent season of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+, why not have a little fun with your Google Home? Try saying “OK Google, aren’t you a little short to be a stormtrooper?”
Or, if “Star Wars” isn’t your cup of tea, maybe you want give either one of these a try: “OK Google, Beam me up, Scotty” or “OK Google, Mischief managed” both work, as well. Whatever your fandom is, you’re welcome.
Amazon Alexa: Just Relax
It might still be early in the year, but doesn’t mean that we still couldn’t use a little bit of relaxation to help us kick off 2021!
Even better, our little tech assistants can help us with that, too. Here’s the magic phrase: “Alexa, ask Guided Meditations to play meditation.”
Then you’ll be treated to one of over 60 different meditation exercises. No matter what you are doing – or where in the house you are – you’re always one voice command away from a few minutes of meditation, and if that isn’t a comforting fact than we don’t know what is.
Hopefully this list was helpful and provided you with some Google Home and Alexa commands that you didn’t know about! If you are interested in learning more about how smart home tech can help make your daily life easier, then give us a call! Or stop on by the store, we’re always glad to help our local customers with any of their electronics or smart home needs.