Amazon Echo
This smart speaker is no one-trick pony. Pictured: An Amazon Echo device is displayed at the Ford booth at CES 2017 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 5, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ford is incorporating the voice operating device into its vehicles. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 8 and features 3,800 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 165,000 attendees. Getty Images/David Becker

Other than listening to music, Alexa-powered speakers like the Amazon Echo actually have other features owners can use. From voice-locking purchases to choosing a different wakeup command, smart speakers actually have settings for many not-so-known capabilities. Here are some Amazon Echo tips you can use to fully use the smart speaker.

Waking Up Keyword

To use the Echo smart speaker, users will have to call it “Alexa” to prop it up and have it follow their requests and other commands. However, this feature can be set so you won’t have to say “Alexa” every time you want to use it. To access this, go to the app’s Settings, tap on “Device settings” and find the smart speaker on your list. Once in the speaker, select the “Wake Word” setting, which will allow you to change the keyword you have to say when using your smart speaker with just your voice.

Checking Out Traffic

Aside from music, smart speakers can also be used to check on your commute routes to work or some place you’ll need to be today. To make use of this, go to the Settings and then look for the Traffic button. Once in, add in your route’s details so the Amazon Echo knows where to look at the traffic maps when you ask about it next time.

Locking Your Amazon Purchases

The Amazon Echo also allows users to shop using their voice. However, other users can also use this voice shopping command and buy items without your knowledge. To prevent this, go to the Settings and head to the Accounts. Inside it you need to find the “Voice Purchasing” button, then tap on the “Require Confirmation Code” to add the pin that users will need to say to push through with the voice purchases. The pin will not be recorded in Amazon Echo’s voice chat history, which makes it a safe security choice unless somebody hears you say the code.

Voice Command History

Other than asking it to do things for you, checking on Alexa’s history is also possible similar to regular web browsers. In the Settings, you can check this in the Alexa Privacy settings located within the Alexa Account options. The voice history can be checked starting from today to all voice interactions made with your smart speaker device. This history can also be deleted if the user doesn’t want the device to always keep track of their conversations.

News Settings

Normally, the Amazon Echo also sets some news updates depending on the user’s preferred news source and topics. In the Settings menu, check on the “Flash Briefings” option and start picking and removing news sources you want to be on your update docket. With this, you can keep up with the things you care about and get it fast. Having a loaded docket can sometimes fill you with too much information that you may not find useful at times.

RELATED STORIES
Alexa Amazon