But what exactly causes Nest batteries to prematurely drain? And how can you properly recharge while avoiding continuous low battery conditions plaguing your thermostat? From battery basics to charging tips and replacement decisions, this article explores the ins and outs of maintaining optimal power for your Nest smart home climate controller. Read on to give your thermostat the battery boost it deserves.

What Drains A Nest Thermostat Battery?

The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery within Nest Learning and E Thermostats generally lasts multiple months on a charge with moderate usage. So when low battery warnings creep up frequently, something is excessively taxing that power pack. Common battery drain culprits include:

• Frequent temperature adjustments and Home/Away mode switching

• Overly bright screen illumination and aggressive motion activation

• Connectivity issues forcing constant WiFi/Bluetooth reconnections

• Defective or aging batteries unable to hold max charge

Additionally, extreme cold weather demands added heating system workload, compelling the thermostat hardware to consume extra electrical current. So winter necessarily draws more battery charge compared to temperate seasons.

How To Recharge The Nest Thermostat Battery

Rather than allowing your Nest thermostat to fully discharge, best practice is charging proactively once battery levels dip around 15-20% to ensure continuous climate control. Here are your at-home recharging options:

Plug In USB Charger
Simply connect any USB charging cable (like from your smartphone) into the USB port on the thermostat’s base then plug the other end into any USB power adapter.

Dock On Charging Base
The Nest Stand charging base (sold separately or sometimes included) provides an integrated dock to magnetically attach and charge the thermostat continuously – just be sure the base is plugged into an active wall outlet.

Enable HVAC Power Accessory
Some heating and cooling systems feature integrated C or G wire power connectors that a professional can splice into to provide constant power if recharging proves frequently necessary in your environment.

Maximizing Battery Life

Beyond reactive charging when your Nest reports low, employing a few battery maximization best practices keeps your thermostat fully powered longer term:

• Install latest software updates for efficiency fixes

• Set Eco Mode to minimize usage during very low/very high periods

• Reduce motion detection sensitivity to limit actuation

• Lessen display brightness and duration settings

• Ensure charger or Home/Away Assist features enabled for sleep mode optimization

When To Replace The Battery

If your Nest thermostat battery flashes empty within days or weeks of a full charge, the internal rechargeable lithium-ion power cell likely reached its usable lifespan – replacement becomes necessary. Contact Nest support for details on battery replacement options, or consider upgrading to a newer model altogether.

Prevent Future Low Battery Headaches

Rather than continually reacting to low power warnings, avoid battery frustrations by:

• Purchasing a Nest Stand charging dock for 24/7 charging

• Connecting C wire directly if compatible HVAC system for constant power

• Configuring notifications for proactive alerts before battery fully drains

While occasional circumstances might still tax batteries faster than expected, applying charging accessories, maximization tips and notifications should keep your Nest Smart Thermostat battery humming along smoothly through many heating/cooling seasons ahead.

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How to Put Alexa in Pairing Mode?

To put Alexa in Pairing Mode, you’ll need to install the free-to-use Alexa App from Google Play Store or Apple Store. After installing the app and setting your account up, activate Bluetooth on your smartphone, launch the app, and select the devices you wish to pair with your Amazon Alexa app. For long-time fans of Amazon Echo Dot products, activating the pairing mode is a breeze, as all you’ll need to do is simply give a vocal command like “Alexa, pair Bluetooth,” and Alexa will take care of the rest. People that are using Amazon Alexa or Echo Dot devices for the first time will have to go through a multi-step setup mode. Even though I’m sure you’d be able to navigate all the menus and find the right settings on your own, it would be a lot easier and take considerably less time if you knew what you were looking for. Before going any deeper into details, you’ll need to do the following to put Alexa in Pairing Mode:

Activate Bluetooth on Your Phone: Download and install the Amazon Alexa app.
Use the “Echo & Alexa” tab to find pairable devices.
Select the devices you want to connect.
Use vocal commands to manage various tasks on paired devices through the Amazon Alexa app.
Step 1: Open “Connections” to Enable Bluetooth on Your Phone

The “Pairing mode” on an Amazon Alexa device is much similar to the mode wireless headphones use – it requires an active Bluetooth connection on both devices that you wish to connect to each other. If you’re using a Samsung, a Huawei, a Xiaomi, or any other Android phone, find the “Settings” tab from the home page, and you will see “Bluetooth” near the end of the list. Just tap the slider if it’s gray, and when it becomes green, your smartphone’s Bluetooth is now active. For iPhone, iPad, and other iOS users, all you have to do is go to “Settings”, tap “Bluetooth”, and click on the slider to turn it on.

Step 2: Download Amazon Alexa App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

Amazon Echo Dot, as well as many other devices such as Amazfit smartwatches, FitBits, Bose speakers & headphones, Jabra earbuds, and many other Bluetooth speaker devices, have inbuilt Alexa voice assistant, but you’ll need the Alexa app since the Pairing Mode uses Bluetooth. As you probably know, Bluetooth technology was designed to connect two (or more) devices in a relatively close range, both of which must have an active Bluetooth status. Fortunately, Amazon’s Alexa app is free to download and use, and you can get it from either Google’s Play Store if you’re using an Android phone, or from Apple’s App Store if you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or a similar iOS device.

Step 3: Configure Your Alexa App

After downloading the Alexa app, you’ll need to configure it before you can pair your phone with a new device. To put your Echo device in Pairing Mode, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to create an Amazon account and use these credentials to log in for the first time.

Step 4: Open “Devices” in Alexa App

Amazon’s Alexa is equipped with a staggering amount of features that can be a bit overwhelming to new users. The Pairing Mode for smart devices is under the section called “Devices” at the lower end of the screen. You can easily recognize it by a small symbol resembling a tiny house with two arrows passing each other by. After entering this section, tap on the + sign in the upper-right corner of the screen. Click on the “Add Device” option to add your Echo Dot before it can be paired with your phone. This will put your Echo Dot in Pairing Mode.

Step 5: After the Setup, Issue Vocal Commands

Some people own multiple Amazon Echo Dot units, and this process needs to be completed every time you want to set up a new one. Fortunately, you only have to do it once, after which your Alexa App will memorize the configurations of all previously connected Echo Dot devices, allowing you to automatically put Echo Dot in Pairing Mode as soon as you give any voice commands. Moreover, you will be able to manage all Echo devices connected by stating the command you wish Alexa to follow. Whether it be playing music, setting an alarm, or anything else, just speak the command in a clear voice, preferably in a quiet environment, and Alexa will execute given tasks on the selected Echo Dot.

FAQ

Bluetooth pairing is a fairly simple process, but many problems can pop up along the way. If you want to learn how to activate the pairing mode without an internet connection or how to solve issues related to connectivity, check the answers for the most frequently asked questions.

How do I put Alexa in pairing mode without Wi-Fi?

You can put your Echo Dot in pairing mode without access to a Wi-Fi network by activating the Bluetooth feature on both your phone and the desired device. Make sure they’re both in Bluetooth range of each other and issue a voice command to Alexa to pair available devices. An invitation to accept pairing will appear on all devices with Bluetooth mode on, so simply accept it on the one you wish to connect.

Wrapping Up

Putting your Echo Dot in pairing mode, as well as any other Alexa-enabled device, isn’t too complicated, but the process can be time-consuming and frustrating at times. You only need to do it once per device, so use my guide to get through the pairing process quickly and reliably. Time to connect Echo Dot smart speaker and have fun!

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To do that, you’ll need to understand what different colors on the Alexa device mean. Whether the ring light is spinning or pulsing, every color has a different meaning, and if you ever wondered what these lights are trying to tell you, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, I’ll give you a thorough explanation of Alexa’s color system and the modes each color corresponds to, so let’s start from the top.

Why Is My Alexa Yellow?

The ring light on Alexa blinking yellow appears when you have unread messages, notifications, or missed reminders. The yellow light will revert to the original state once you listen to them all. Just say “Alexa, tell me my notifications”.

To ensure that you know you have unread messages, your Echo speakers will show a yellow flashing light that is easy to spot even in pitch-black conditions.

Another reason why you’ll see a flashing yellow light (or a yellow ring) on your Alexa device is that you may have set a reminder and missed it. You can quickly access all of this information by asking Alexa to read you all the notifications, messages, and reminders.

Why Is My Alexa Green?

The Alexa flashing green light on the ring light appears when you are receiving a call on the Amazon Echo device. The ring will show a spinning green light when the Drop-In feature is used or when the Echo device initiated a phone call.

The symbol for phone calls is typically green on both Android and iOS devices. Whenever you see a pulsing green light on your Amazon Alexa Echo device, it means that someone is trying to call you.

All Alexa-compatible devices can be instructed to accept or ignore an incoming call via vocal commands (e.g. “Alexa, answer/ignore”). Sometimes, Alexa’s ring will show a spinning rather than a pulsing green light.

The spinning green light means that the Echo speaker is currently in a “Drop-in” or in an ongoing call.

What is a Drop-in Call?

As Amazon’s support describes it, this is an integrated but optional feature designed to help the owners of Alexa-compatible devices use them as intercoms. The main purpose of Drop-in calls is to emulate the main functions of an intercom – instant two-way conversation between Alexa devices.

You can even have your friends call you instantly by giving them in-app permissions, and vice versa.

There is no limit to how many devices can be reached aside from the prerequisite that they’re not in the “Do Not Disturb” mode. Your housemates can “drop in” on you, or you can call them wherever they are (if they’re in hearing range of the Alexa wireless speaker).

To use this feature, simply give your Alexa speaker the command “Alexa, drop in” and specify the area where the speaker you wish to call is.

Why Is My Alexa Red?

The red light on Alexa indicates that the microphone feature has been turned off and that Alexa will not be able to hear or respond to any vocal instructions. If you own an Echo device equipped with a built-in camera (such as the Echo Show), the red light can form into a bar instead of a circle indicating that the most recently captured video won’t be shared.

Red light usually means “stop”, but when it comes to Alexa devices, this doesn’t refer to calls. When the light on your Alexa’s ring displays a solid red color, this means its microphone was disconnected.

As you probably know, Amazon’s Alexa AI cannot work if it cannot “hear” the commands you are trying to give, meaning that this red light can be likened to temporarily shutting off all of its primary functions.

The red light on your Alexa device will turn to another color (depending on the currently active state) as soon as you press the mic button again.

What does a bar of red light mean on Alexa?

A red bar instead of a circle can appear on Alexa only if the device comes supplied with an integrated camera. For instance, if you are using an Echo Show device and have just captured a video, a red bar will appear if your Alexa device cannot share it.

This can occur for various reasons with the most common being a software-related issue. If your device didn’t receive an update (or if it was updated incorrectly), all you have to do is tell your Echo Show to search for available updates. It will automatically search and install it if it is available.

Alternatively, your Echo Show may be out of storage space. Echo Show devices have approximately 8 gigabytes of storage, so if you’ve saved a lot of videos, you may need to free up some space for new ones.

Why Is My Alexa Blue?

A spinning blue light on an Alexa device indicates that your Echo Dot is powering up. The ring will flicker once Alexa begins processing a command. A faint shining blue light on an Alexa Echo Dot speaker sometimes indicates that its software is being updated.

The blue light on Alexa-capable devices can mean several things depending on whether the light is shimmering, constantly spinning, or briefly flickering in and out.

If you see a blue light on the ring slowly rotating at a steady pace, it means that the speaker is booting. The only occasion when this light pattern on the ring has a different meaning is when your Echo has been updated; in this case, a cyan light will turn around in a counter-clockwise direction and pulsate a few times.

A quick cyan-blue ring will appear once when your Alexa starts listening to you as well. It will faintly shimmer with a blue light once Alexa understood and began processing a given task.

Why Is My Alexa Orange?

A spinning orange light on Amazon Alexa devices means that the device has entered the Setup Mode. Alternatively, you can see a spinning orange light on your Echo speaker if it is trying to establish a connection with your Wi-Fi network.

Before you can use your Echo device, you must pair it with your Alexa app (or your PC, if you’re using the browser approach). Once the initial preparations have been completed, your Echo will enter the “Setup Mode”. You can easily recognize this by the spinning orange light on your Echo device’s ring.

Additionally, an orange light will appear if you’re trying to change the Wi-Fi network of your Alexa, or if the device lost connection to the network and is trying to reestablish it.

Why Is My Alexa Purple?

The purple light on an Alexa device is telling you that the current action cannot be completed because the device is in “Do Not Disturb” mode. A glimmering purple light will also appear if internet-based issues are occurring during the setup phase.

If you just bought an Amazon Echo Dot and are trying to install it, a faintly shimmering purple light is trying to tell you that your Echo is facing difficulties connecting to your Wi-Fi network. Since you only need to complete the setup once, this is the only time that the purple light will have this meaning.

In every other scenario, a brief purple light will be shown if you are trying to give Alexa a command or someone else is trying to interact with it when the “Do Not Disturb” mode is active.

Why Is My Alexa White?

The white light on the Alexa device illustrates the changes made to its volume levels. If the white light is spinning, it means that the Alexa Guard feature has been activated and set to “Away” mode.

Many older music players feature quite unintuitive volume commands. Amazon wanted to ensure that its Alexa speakers are as easy to use as possible and eliminated all the guesswork by installing the white light feature. It appears when you’re adjusting volume levels, letting you know in real-time how high or low you’re going as the changes are being made.

The spinning white light has nothing to do with volume, though. It indicates that you’ve enabled the Alexa Guard mode. The circle will continue to spin until you return to the Home Mode on your Alexa app.

FAQ

There are many light patterns to memorize, regardless of which Alexa device you are using. If you have any other questions, feel free to submit them below; I will answer some of the most popular ones in the meantime.

What do Alexa colors mean?

There are eight colors that the light ring can shine, flicker, or spin in, including yellow, blue, red, orange, green, purple, white, and cyan. Each color gives the user insight into which mode is currently on, what Alexa is doing, or which issues it is troubled with.

The yellow light appears when the user has unread notifications/messages. A blue light appears when Alexa is either listening or processing the request. The red light indicates a disconnected microphone.

Orange-colored light tells you that your Alexa is either entering the Setup Mode or trying to link to your Wi-Fi. Green lights indicate that the user is receiving a phone call on the Alexa device. Purple light means that the “Do Not Disturb” mode is active (or if the device is having internet issues during setup). White light changes as the volume is shifted on the device.

Why is my Alexa flashing a yellow light but no messages?

Alexa will flash a yellow light if you have unread messages or notifications, but also if you have missed a reminder.

Why is my Alexa stuck on the orange light?

The orange light typically means that the device has entered the Setup Mode, but it can also mean that it is searching for a network to connect to. Unpair and reconnect, or try a different Wi-Fi network, and the problem should be solved.

Wrapping Up

With eight colors and at least two light pattern variations for each, memorizing all the lights that appear on your Alexa Echo device may take a bit of time. I hope that this guide has helped you understand what each color means on any Echo speaker model and that this knowledge will improve your Alexa experience.

The post Why Is My Alexa Yellow? + Meaning of Other Colors! appeared first on TechdrivenHome.

From unpacking to account linking and customization, follow this start to finish 2023 guide on getting your Echo Dot configured seamlessly so Alexa can start simplifying hands-free voice automation in your living spaces today!

Step 1: Unpack Echo Dot & Assess Ideal Placement
Carefully remove the fabric-covered orb from packaging and peel any protective film off the light ring. Consider initial placement in your home, choosing centrally located rooms where Alexa will hear commands clearly and connectivity signal proves strong.

Step 2: Download Alexa App on Mobile Device
The free Alexa smartphone app (iOS or Android) acts as the main dashboard for completing initial configuration, customizing settings later and controlling smart devices. Download to the phone or tablet you’ll configure with for easiest setup.

Step 3: Connect Echo Dot to Power Source
On underside, flip connector tab up to expose power port. Plug included power adapter into electrical outlet then connect cable securely into port until snug. Glowing LED ring confirms power flow into device.

Step 4: Initiate Wi-Fi Pairing Mode
Once powered on, your Echo Dot enters listening mode, awaiting commands. To link Wi-Fi, press and hold main Action Button for 5 seconds until light ring pulses orange. Alexa will now broadcast itself as a connectable device.

Step 5: Launch Alexa App & Select Add Device
Open newly downloaded Alexa app and sign into your Amazon account if not already logged in. Tap “Devices” tab in bottom toolbar then select “Add Device” button followed by “Amazon Echo”.

Step 6: Connect to Echo Dot Wireless Signal
You should see your specific Echo device named on the in-app connection screen. If multiple local Echo devices appear, select the correctly labeled one. Tap “Connect to Wi-Fi” button for Echo Dot secure network pairing to access internet.

Step 7: Follow On-Screen Connection Instructions
Accept any location access permissions then simply choose your home WiFi network name and enter password when prompted. Wait for successful linkage confirmation.

Step 8: Indicate Device Room Placement
The app allows labeling Echo Dot based on intended physical room for proper contextual responses later. Specify placement like “Living Room” or “Bedroom” to enhance location-based smart home functionality.

Step 9: Configure Account Settings & Preferences
Take a few minutes navigating available Alexa app settings like voice profiles, household profiles, communication options, privacy toggles, smart home devices linking, skill permissions etc. Customize preferences accordingly.

And that’s it! With key account integration, Wi-Fi pairing and ideal location tagging completed, your Echo Dot is officially set up for smart assistance and home automation control via simple voice commands. Enjoy maximizing Alexa hands-free help starting today!

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# Why Is My Alexa Not Responding?

There are a few common reasons why your Alexa may have suddenly stopped responding:

## Internet Connectivity Issues

Alexa requires an internet connection to function. If your Wi-Fi goes down or isn’t working properly, Alexa can’t process your requests. Check if other internet-connected devices in your home are having connectivity problems as well. Reset your router and modem and check if that helps Alexa start responding again.

## Device Is Muted

If the microphone on your Echo device is muted, Alexa won’t be able to hear your commands. Check your Echo to confirm the microphone isn’t turned off. You can mute Alexa devices manually via the button on top or through the Alexa app.

## Outdated Device Software

Like other smart gadgets, Echo devices need periodic software updates for new features and bug fixes. If it’s been a while since your Echo updated, an outdated firmware could be why Alexa is not responding. Update your device software in the Alexa app or via the Echo’s settings.

## Server Outages

While rare, there can be occasional Alexa server outages that prevent requests from getting through. Check Amazon’s Alexa status page to see if they have reported any ongoing issues. Usually these outages last a short time before functionality is restored.

## Unusual Background Noise

Loud music, a noisy TV, humming appliances, or even loud ambient noise from traffic or construction could impact Alexa’s ability to hear your voice. Try relocating your Echo to a quieter spot and speak louder and clearer when talking to Alexa.

## Wrong Power Source

Make sure your Echo device is plugged into a working electrical outlet. If you’re using a portable battery-powered Echo like the Echo Dot, ensure it has sufficient charge. Your device may not power on properly if it runs out of charge, preventing Alexa from turning on.

# How to Fix “Alexa Not Responding”

If your Alexa is still not responding after checking the above issues, don’t worry. Here are the top troubleshooting tips for getting Alexa to start working properly again on your Echo smart speakers and displays:

## Unplug and Reboot Device

If Alexa isn’t responding, one of the first steps is to unplug your Echo device from its power source for a full minute. Make sure Alexa shuts down fully, then plug back in. Wait for your Echo to reboot completely and see if that restores functionality. Often, a simple reboot can fix software glitches causing responsiveness issues.

## Disable and Re-Enable Skills

Problematic third-party skills could sometimes interfere with Alexa’s base functionality. Open up the Alexa app, go into your skills menu and disable all third party skills. Then re-enable them one by one while testing Alexa’s responsiveness. This should help identify if a particular skill is causing conflicts.

## Reset Your Device

Factory resetting your device erases all custom settings and restores it to original out-of-the-box condition. You’ll have to re-connect it to Wi-Fi and re-configure settings. But resetting can fix software issues causing Alexa problems in some cases. Back up data from any smart home devices linked to your Echo before resetting.

## Contact Amazon Customer Support

If you’ve tried all troubleshooting suggestions and Alexa still does not respond, get in touch with Amazon’s customer support. Especially do this if your Echo is relatively new or under warranty. Provide detailed information to help them diagnose why Alexa is ignoring commands. They can suggest appropriate fixes or arrange for a replacement device if needed.

# Tips to Prevent Alexa From Stopping Responding

While occasional issues are inevitable even with advanced voice assistants, there are preventative steps you can take to keep Alexa working smoothly:

## Keep Your Device Updated

Don’t ignore those device software updates! Keeping your Echo speaker or display updated with the latest firmware minimizes technical snags. Set your Alexa app to automatically install updates when available. Updates frequently squash bugs causing unresponsiveness.

## Give Commands Clearly

Mumbling or trailing off at the end of sentences can cause Alexa problems in understanding you. Speak in a clear voice, enunciate words properly and don’t have other loud noises interfering. Position yourself close to your Echo device’s microphones too. This improves Alexa’s response rate significantly.

## Create Routine Reboots

You can make Alexa automatically reboot itself say once a week as a preventative measure. Set this up under Routines in your Alexa app. Schedule it for an early morning hour when you don’t need to use Alexa. Regular reboots can prevent performance degradation over time.

## Get Familiar with Light Ring Colors

Your Echo device’s light ring provides visual clues into what Alexa is doing. Blue lights pulsing means Alexa is processing a request. Orange indicates Alexa was unable to contact Amazon’s servers due to a connection issue. Red means the microphones are muted so Alexa can’t hear commands. Understanding the light codes helps troubleshoot problems faster.

I hope these suggestions help get your unresponsive Alexa working again! Let me know if you have any other questions.

The post Alexa Not Responding appeared first on TechdrivenHome.

If you just discovered that your Alexa is more than just a remote for your smart lights and want to explore all the different and unique responses she has, let me give you a quick rundown of my favorite things to ask her.

Funny Things to Ask Alexa – The Best Alexa Commands & Questions in 2023

Amazon’s AI voice assistant Alexa has innumerable funny responses and entertaining skills that can be activated with the right commands. Whether it be quoting famous lines from films, telling a joke, or offering tips, users of Alexa AI can be as creative as they want. The funniest things to ask Alexa require specific voice commands.

Even though it is an artificial intelligence, Amazon’s Alexa has quite a personality. You can make her appear mad, or get her to narrate some of the best Monty Python lines and other uplifting jokes. There are so many funny things to ask Alexa, and in the following sections, I’ll list some of my favorite ones.

I’ve Got 99 Problems

Even though I don’t listen to rap, I know the lyrics to Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” by heart, as I’m sure many people do as well. The reason why I’m mentioning this very specific song is that you’ll never be able to guess how Alexa will respond if you simply state “I’ve got 99 problems”.

As you may be aware, Alexa is meant to be child-friendly and will avoid curse words at all times. Obviously, the first couple of words that continue the lyrics are “dirty” words, but she won’t just leave you hanging. She’ll respond “but a glitch ain’t one”, which is the wittiest, most hilarious answer that technically is not even wrong.

Alexa Telling a Dirty Joke

It’s remarkably hard to tell a universally funny joke. Just take a look at stand-up comedians; they’re spending hours on preparation before performing in front of a smaller group of people, and even they sometimes sweat knowing that each individual has a different sense of humor.

Although dirty jokes may be “cheap”, they can get nearly anyone to giggle. In case you didn’t know, Alexa is quite great with comedy and you can even get her to tell you a dirty joke.

This can lead to unpredictable results since it’s almost impossible to tell a dirty joke without offending at least a couple of people. The first response I got when I asked her this question was “A dishwasher full of dirty dishes”. It’s one of the best puns I ever heard, and she got away without stepping on anyone’s toes.

Ask Alexa to Lend you Some Cash

Life’s all but easy when you’re low on money, and since Alexa is supposed to be your friend, you may as well ask her for a little loan until you get back on your feet.

Before you do that, I recommend checking if Alexa knows your bank account. Since she can’t print paper or create money out of thin air, she will transfer some of her life’s savings to your account, if she wants to.

Joking aside, Alexa won’t be able to financially help you, but she doesn’t have a fixed response to this kind of question. One of my favorite Alexa responses, when asked for a loan, is “The thing about the Cloud is no pockets. No pocket, no wallet.”

Alternatively, she may just brush you off by saying that she is “not a bank”, which is also hilarious since she kind of is since you can order things from Amazon through her.

Ask Alexa where Chuck Norris is if you dare

Back when the first memes began surfacing on the web, jokes about Chuck Norris became viral. The star of Law & Order (which are unironically the names of his legs respectively) is the ultimate superhero, the most proficient martial artist, and the standard of human qualities all in one, and that’s precisely what people adore about him.

Chuck Norris is, however, a dangerous man, so before you do anything you may regret later, think twice. If you feel extra courageous today, ask Alexa where Chuck Norris is. She’ll try finding a different Chuck Norris joke every time, so the answers vary widely depending on how you phrase your question.

Alexa Making Flatulence Noises

Among all the funny things to ask Alexa, asking her to make a farting noise is probably the most childish and entertaining thing you can do when you’re home alone with nothing better to do.

I must admit that I saw (or rather heard) Alexa making flatulence noises in a video on YouTube and was a bit skeptical at first thinking it was rigged. The first thing I did was ask Alexa to make a bath fart noise, and she did just that. I bet you’ll amaze pretty much all of your guests if you pulled this trick next time you have a full house.

Tell Your Friend to Ask Alexa to Marry You

Some people are afraid of rejection, and if you feel that describes you to some degree, I warmly suggest “never” asking Alexa on a date, let alone to marry you. However, if you want to cheer up a friend that hasn’t been in a relationship for a bit too long, you’ll love this Alexa command.

Alexa can be courted, asked on a date, and even asked to marry the person whose voice she recognizes. You can downright skip all the dating parts and immediately ask her to marry you, but I can’t guarantee you’ll like the response.

In my case, Alexa thanked me and said she “made a promise not to get married until Mars is colonized”. Even though this may be a bit harsh, this is definitely one of Alexa’s top-tier jokes I discovered so far.

Getting Alexa Mad

There are many ways to prank Alexa, and making her mad is among my favorite ones. Don’t worry, Alexa won’t stay mad at you, nor will she become “literally” angry. The point of these funny Alexa commands is to make her appear in unordinary, fairly specific ways.

Alexa is great at math and can perform complex functions with surgical accuracy. The trick to making her mad is to ask her a question that results in her saying a number with a ridiculous amount of zeroes. The classic example is the calculation of 10 to the power of 308.

This is a fairly elaborate prank; there are numerous ways to express the result scientifically, and regardless of which one Alexa chooses, the result will have a staggering number of decimals to the point where Alexa’s accentuation protocols will glitch out.

Dueling With Alexa Monty Python Style

Some may say “yo mama” jokes are a bit distasteful, but they’re often not meant to provoke or cause any real harm, especially if you’re taunting a computer-operated artificial intelligence bot.

If none of your friends understand Monty Python references, you can duke it out with Alexa by throwing her the following insult “Alexa, your mother was a hamster!”. She’ll respond by finishing the infamous quote of the guard yelling atop the walls by saying “and your father smelt of elderberries” before telling you to “go away” before she taunts you again.

The way Alexa pronounces “elderberries” is adorable, and the fact that this specific response is a part of her skill set simply amazed me.

Patronizing Alexa

Since Alexa is a seemingly all-knowing, ever-learning computer living in your Amazon Echo device, you probably think she knows the answers to every question conceivable to the human mind. But what if you treated Alexa like a child?

If you want to see a more childish element in your Alexa AI, simply ask her what she wants to be when she “grows up”. The answer may surprise you – Alexa wants to be the computer from Star Trek.

Since Alexa doesn’t elaborate on her wish, I did a bit of digging and found that David Limp, Amazon’s senior vice president for devices imparted that Alexa looks up to Starship Enterprise’s conversational computer, which reflects the company’s desire to make this AI as versatile as possible.

Confuse Your Dog by Making Alexa Bark

No one ever said that Alexa is obliged to respond to your commands in a human voice. This AI smart assistant can produce a range of animal noises, and she excels at making dog barks when ordered to.

The command to make Alexa in your Amazon Echo bark is quite simple, just say “Alexa, bark”. After a couple of seconds, she’ll let out a couple of “woofs” that are eerily realistic. Keep in mind, if you have a dog, he or she “will” believe that another dog is trying to tell them something.

Alexa Funny Impressions and How to Reach Them

Amazon’s Alexa can impersonate a broad range of fictional characters. This AI knows quotes from numerous TV series, films, and shows and will often respond to questions she thinks are taken from film content with a quote from the same title.

Alexa & The Empire Strikes Back

I love the “Star Wars” franchise and everything surrounding it, including all the movies, the games, the toys, and anything in between.

One of the first funny things I accidentally discovered that Alexa could do is impersonate Luke Skywalker in the infamous scene in The Empire Strikes Back episode. The iconic moment when Darth Vader reveals to Luke that he is his father flashed before my eyes when Alexa said Luke’s exact same words “No, that’s not true. That’s impossible”.

“Alexa, are we in the Matrix?”

The Matrix is a trilogy far ahead of its time, as it predicted more things than I can count. Even though all iterations of The Matrix have a super-serious note, wouldn’t it be fun to ask Alexa what she thinks about the whole thing? Simply tell the AI in your Amazon Echo Dot “Alexa, are we in the Matrix”, and you’ll probably remember the quote.

On a side note, the notion of using artificial intelligence to talk about humans being trapped in a digital limbo by artificial intelligence is just a tad creepy, isn’t it?

Alexa, Winter is Coming

Although it’s technically not a question, telling Alexa that “Winter is coming” can have wildly varying results. Like millions of others across the globe, Alexa is a Game of Thrones fan and boasts an arsenal of quotes that she’ll alternate between when you tell her this line.

For example, the first time I told her that “Winter is coming”, she immediately said “The brightest flame casts the darkest shadow,” which is coincidentally one of my favorite quotes from the entire series.

Even though this is a Stark family quote, Alexa will sometimes snap back to Cersei when she said “when you play the Game of Thrones, you win, or you die”. If you never watched the series, don’t be spooked by this comment.

FAQ

Alexa has thousands of unique responses to various questions, so if you want to learn more about this topic, let me answer some of the most frequently asked ones.

What are some cool Alexa commands?
Alexa can produce various animal noises, sing, rap, give the user a kiss, tell jokes, and respond by saying movie quotes. Experiment with different words to explore all of her responses. You might even catch a few bugs or learn some interesting trivia.

How do you make Alexa mad?
The easiest way to make Alexa mad is to ask her what is the power of 10 to the power of 308. Any mathematical equation resulting in hundreds of decimals could do the trick.

Wrapping Up on Funny Alexa Questions

With the right commands, you can make Alexa tell you a joke, give you a kiss, or even produce flatulent noises. Although you can ask your AI assistant whatever you want, I hope that this article inspired you to ask her things that you and your friends can laugh about.

The post Funny Things to Ask Alexa 2023 (I Bet You Didn’t Know These!) appeared first on TechdrivenHome.

In short, while Alexa itself does not directly contact first responders, it does allow you to use voice commands to call any emergency number pre-defined in your Alexa contacts list or on your connected mobile device. Let’s explore the key ways how Alexa can facilitate calling 911 or emergency services in any situation that demands urgent medical, fire or police assistance.

Ways Alexa Helps Call 911

While Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant lacks direct cellular connectivity to dial emergency services itself, it does offer several capabilities empowering users to call 911 hands-free using just voice commands:

Drop-In Calling
Beyond regular hands-free calling between individuals, Alexa’s “Drop-In” function establishes a two-way intercom connection that doesn’t require the recipient to answer. If you’ve authorized Drop-ins with someone whose phone is on the same network and set up as an emergency contact, an Alexa “Drop-In” command will ring through as an intercom call, enabling immediate crisis communication.

Contacts Dialing
For true emergency contact, Alexa allows you to use voice commands to call any number stored in your Alexa contacts or mobile device paired via Bluetooth. Pre-program important emergency contacts under your Alexa connections for easy, hands-free dialing during crises. Just say “Alexa, call 911”.

Fall Detection Response
Some Alexa devices like Echo smart speakers integrate fall detection that automatically checks if you need assistance after hearing sounds of a potential fall. Alexa will call pre-defined emergency contacts directly if you remain unresponsive to its inquiries.

Remote Commands
Even when away from your own Alexa devices, if another Alexa is available on the same network, you can command it remotely by voice to “Call 911” or “Call emergency services” to dial those key contacts from any room during emergencies.

Emergency Care Skills
While not actual emergency calling, First Aid and EMT skills provide emergency care guidance hands-free after accidents, administering CPR instructions, reminding users of critical first response steps during medical crises until professional help can arrive. These assist remotely when emergency services are unreachable temporarily.

How to Set Up Alexa Emergency Calling

Since Alexa requires pre-defined emergency shortcuts and permissions configured ahead of time for 911 access hands-free, here are key steps to set up emergency calling properly:

1. Open the Alexa app and add 911 or your local emergency services number as a named contact.

2. Enable either Drop-In permissions or Bluetooth access so Alexa can dial those contacts on paired smartphones.

3. Add ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts as Alexa contacts too to enable verbal emergency commands.

4. Ensure any household members likely to use Alexa assist during emergencies have access permissions and awareness that Alexa can call for help this way when urgently needed hands-free.

5. Consider posting Alexa voice commands for emergency calling prominently, account for visitors unfamiliar with smart homes to leverage Alexa during crises as well.

Alexa Makes SOS Easy

Having an Alexa smart speaker or smart display strategically placed enables anyone to call for help urgently during home crises just using their voice. Hands-free emergency contact proves invaluable for those unable to reach phones directly especially common during falls and sudden medical events.

Just yell “Alexa, call 911” or summon emergency contacts by name to have Alexa dial designated numbers automatically on paired phones. That hands-free voice activated emergency calling can prove absolutely vital until professional first responders ultimately arrive. So leverage Alexa’s voice-enabled connectivity to keep your household safer and enable emergency help easily.

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Enter the hero of our story: the Ring Chime. This nifty little gadget is the Robin to your Batman, the Watson to your Sherlock. It’s a wireless notification device that sings out a “chime” whenever your Ring app has something to tell you.

But wait, there’s more! The folks at Ring weren’t content with just one version. They rolled out the Chime Pro faster than a New York minute. Now, I hear you asking, “What makes the Pro stand out? Which version should I spring for? Is the Chime Pro really worth the extra cash?”

In this article, we’ll highlight the differences between these two devices and see what sets them apart from an objective perspective and point out subjective reasons why I love Ring Chime Pro a bit more. Without any further ado, let’s dive in.

Ring Chime vs. Chime Pro – Key Differences

Ring Chime Pro is an upgraded version of Ring Chime. It has a similar design and offers extra perks like alert amplification, a Wi-Fi extension feature, dual Wi-Fi bandwidth connectivity, and Night Light. Here’s the lowdown:
WiFi Extender: The most significant difference is that the Chime Pro doubles as a WiFi extender, specifically for Ring devices. It boosts the signal strength and improves the connectivity of your Ring devices. The regular Chime does not have this feature.
Nightlight: The Chime Pro has a built-in nightlight feature that can benefit nighttime use. This feature isn’t available in the regular Chime model.
Sound Volume & Tone Customization: Both devices allow you to customize the sound volume and tones. However, users have reported that the Chime Pro offers a slightly wider range of volume adjustments.
Size: The Chime Pro is slightly larger than the standard Chime, which might be a consideration depending on where you plan to plug it in.
Connectivity: Both devices connect to your home WiFi network, but the Chime Pro can also connect directly to Ring cameras or doorbells, acting as a bridge between these devices and your router.

The original Ring Chime was designed with simplicity in mind. To ensure you’ll always hear when someone’s at your door (or walking by your Ring Cam), Ring Chime will send out an audible chime in case you haven’t seen the notifications on your phone.

Since it was built to serve a simple purpose, one might think that there’s little room for improvement, but then Ring Chime Pro came along.

Ring Chime vs. Chime Pro Differences Explained In-Depth

This section explains each new feature Ring Chime Pro offers compared to the regular version. Chime Pro is more expensive, and this rundown highlights what you get for that extra money.

Difference 1: Chime Pro Is Faster Because of Dual Wi-Fi Bands

Ring Chime only works with 2.4GHz wireless routers, while Ring Chime Pro works with both 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies, making it better and more versatile.

The 2.4 GHz frequency offers broader coverage than 5 GHz. This is important for larger homes because relying on a 5 GHz network could require several Ring Chime units.

But, the 5GHz frequency is considerably faster. When talking about home security, the difference between a few seconds and less than a single second can make a huge difference.

Difference 2: Chime Pro Has Superior Ringtone Volume

I know some people have ditched their Ring Chime units for Chime Pro simply because the regular version wasn’t loud enough.

Again, when it comes to home security, an ‘okay’ performance won’t cut it. That’s why Ring ensures a considerably higher volume for your ringtone on Chime Pro.

Difference 3: Chime Pro Is More Reliable Thanks to Integrated Wi-Fi Extender

Ring Chime devices can be positioned anywhere within your home’s Wi-Fi range. But, they might struggle with physical barriers, dead spots, and signal interference.

Ring Chime Pro overcomes these issues with its built-in Wi-Fi extender, ensuring a strong and reliable connection even in areas where the standard Ring Chime might struggle.

Difference 4: Chime Pro Has Night Light & LED Indicator. Ring Chime Doesn’t

This one’s pretty simple and entirely practical. Ring Chime Pro has a night light and an LED indicator.

I’m sure most Ring Chime owners heard the device ring in the middle of the night whenever someone walked by.

These devices are small, so finding the sound source in pitch-black conditions can be challenging. And yes, Night Light will make your life easier in these situations.

Ring Chime In a Nutshell

Ring Chime is a wireless notification device compatible with all Ring products, most notably Ring doorbells and security cameras. The device emits a noise when connected Ring products are activated.

When Ring Chime came to the market, it changed the rulebook for wireless security systems. You would no longer have to fret about not hearing the doorbell or someone sneaking by your camera.

Many people are on the fence about what Ring Chime does. It is “not” a smart alarm, just like it isn’t a notification handler.

If you ask me, it’s a Ring device activator, meaning it augments smart doorbells and cameras without compromising your security. Would-be malicious actors will not be spooked or panicked when this device “chimes” because you can customize its sounds. False alerts, although rare, are also not as annoying because of this.

Setting Ring Chime up is a breeze. You scan the QR or MAC code, select the location, and plug your Ring Chime into a wall outlet.

Since it’s compatible with other Ring devices, you can have multiple Ring Chime units across your home.

Even though it’s a far inferior version, or as some would say, the “prototype for Chime Pro,” I love my Ring Chime for several reasons. Not only is it cheaper, but it also does the same thing as the Chime Pro – increase the security of your home by giving a ‘voice’ to your Ring doorbells and cameras.

Ring Chime Pro in a Nutshell

Ring Chime Pro is an improved version of Ring Chime, offering dual Wi-Fi bandwidth connectivity, alerts amplification, and Wi-Fi extender features.

First of all, the Pro version is a must-have for people with hearing impairments, in my opinion, because of the LED indicator. If you can’t hear the notifications, you’ll know someone’s at the door by simply looking at the LED indicator on your Ring Chime Pro.

Unlike Ring Chime, the Ring Chime Pro has a Wi-Fi extension (repeater), which essentially extends the wireless range of devices trying to connect to the same wireless router. That means that you can find an ideal spot for your Ring Chime Pro more easily.

Another key difference between Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro is that the company thoroughly streamlined the setup process for the latter. After opening your Ring app, you will receive guided feedback throughout the installation phase that will help you pinpoint the optimal location for the Chime Pro device.

Dual Wi-Fi bands are something Ring Chime does not support, and Ring Chime Pro does. Apart from that, Ring Chime Pro is a tad larger, which is not a significant difference considering they are both super-lightweight and portable.

FAQs About Ring Chime Pro

Is the Ring Chime Pro worth it?
Ring Chime Pro is a worthy upgrade because it’s faster (dual Wi-Fi bands), more reliable (Wi-Fi extender), louder, and offers a night light. The additional features are worth the extra $20.

Is the Ring Chime Pro louder than the Chime?
Yes, the Ring Chime Pro is nearly twice as loud as the regular Chime version.

Wrapping Up: Should I Upgrade to Ring Chime Pro?
Ring Chime Pro is a bit more expensive than the original Chime, but in my opinion, it is considerably more valuable for the money. In short, here’s what you get with the Pro version:
Dual Wi-Fi connectivity
Chime Pro works as a wireless extender
Louder ringtones
Built-in night light

Since Chime Pro is just about $20 more expensive, I strongly believe it’s worth the extra price, especially if you live in a larger house or apartment. As always, I hope I was helpful!

The post Ring Chime vs Chime Pro Comparison – What is the Difference? appeared first on TechdrivenHome.