Smart Home Archive - Make Tech Easier

7 Easy Fixes for Common Amazon Echo Dot Problems

Ian Derrick — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 22:25:00 +0000

Amazon Echo Dot can be pretty handy in your home, especially if you want entertainment, news, weather updates, and to manage other smart devices. However, once in a while, you’ll experience some problems with your Echo Dot. In this article, we look at seven common Echo Dot and Alexa issues and how to fix them.

Content

1. Your Echo Dot Won't Connect to Wi-Fi
2. Alexa Won't Pair with Other Smart Devices
3. Alexa Won’t Understand Your Commands
4. Your Echo Dot Won’t Stream Music
5. Alexa Activates Accidentally
6. Music Plays on the Wrong Device
7. Calls Won't Work on Your Echo
If All Else Fails
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Your Echo Dot Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

This... Read more

The Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up A Smart Home (For Under $1,000)

Tom Rankin — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 00:25:18 +0000

Everyone’s gets busy, and some of us look for the most efficient ways to get from A to Z. One of the best ways to cut out vital minutes throughout your day is by setting up a smart home.

With a suitable smart assistant and connected devices, you can operate lots of aspects of your home through voice commands, your smart phone, and even your smart watch. For this post, we’re going to show you how to set up a smart home, without spending a lot of money to do it.

Why Setting Up a Smart Home Isn’t a Stupid Idea

Futuristic movies often show people speaking to omnipresent and omnipotent computers, each with a soothing and polite voice, to operate almost every aspect of their surroundings.

While this may seem far-fetched and unrealistic, the present is closer than you think. Most of the big tech companies have a smart assistant, and you get a choice of soothing voice telling you they “Can’t do that, Dave”.

The core concept is that you can control aspects such as lighting, heat, and... Read more

How to Create an Alexa Skill without Coding Experience

Tom Rankin — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 22:25:17 +0000

Voice assistants are usually found in sci-fi and are often complicated pieces of tech. In the real world, they can provide automation and entertainment. For Amazon’s own line of voice assistants, you’re able to create an “Alexa Skill” – a fundamental building block of how the device interacts with users.

In this post we discuss what an Alexa Skill is, then run through how to create one without coding knowledge!

An Introduction to Alexa Skills

For the uninitiated, an Alexa Skill is how a user interacts with Amazon’s Echo line of voice assistants. It’s a cloud-based service that takes input from the user – in this case their speech – runs it through code, and returns a result.

To offer a real-world example, take the NASA Mars Alexa Skill.

You start the Skill by using a unique “invocation name” – there are usually a few ways to do it. In this example, you could simply state, “Alexa, open NASA Mars.” Alternatively, you... Read more

How to Restart and Reset Your HomePod & HomePod Mini

Isaac Norman — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:25:17 +0000

As with any other piece of technology, Apple’s smart speakers may encounter glitches from time to time. Your HomePod or HomePod Mini can stop working all of a sudden, refuse to play/stream music, or Siri may lose its Web connectivity. No matter the reason, knowing how to restart and reset your HomePod and HomePod Mini will surely come in handy.

As a general rule, we recommend restarting your HomePod first. This will force your smart speaker to reboot without losing any of its settings. If that doesn’t work, you should proceed to reset your smart speaker. This action will force your HomePod or HomePod Mini to return to its factory settings, so you’ll have to set it up from scratch.

How to Restart Your HomePod

Since Apple’s HomePod doesn’t have a physical ON/OFF button, you need to use your iPhone or iPad to interact with your smart speaker. With that said, here’s how to restart your HomePod by using the Home app.

1. Launch the Home app on your device. Tap on “Rooms” using the menu bar found at the bottom of your device’s screen.... Read more

A Beginners’ Guide to Smart Living

Tom Rankin — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 18:25:06 +0000

An automated home was a futuristic pipe dream not too long ago. However, as the second decade of the 2000s comes to an end, “smart living” is a burgeoning tech market.

In this piece, we look at how to start creating a smart home. Before that, let’s outline why you’d want a smart home in the first place.

What Smart Living Means (And Why You’d Want to Do It)

For the uninitiated, smart living refers simply to automating aspects of your home – usually mundane tasks. For example, it could be that you set your lighting on a regular timer or ask a voice assistant to turn on hard-to-reach plug sockets. Often, this automation is carried out over your home’s Wi-Fi.

There are a number of benefits to smart living. For example:

You can save time turning on essential appliances, such as the heating before you arrive home from work.
Your energy bills may see a positive impact.
Sockets throughout your home will see less wear and tear.

In a nutshell, smart living is the future of maintaining your home. Practically... Read more

How to Install Software Updates on Your HomePod and HomePod Mini

Isaac Norman — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 22:30:22 +0000

Updating your smart speaker may not sound like an overly exciting thing to do. However, when it comes to Apple’s HomePod and HomePod Mini, keeping those devices up to date is more important than you think. Aside from getting new features (many of which can be significant leaps forward), this is how you can resolve technical problems as well. With that said, it’s time to talk about how to install software updates on your HomePod and HomePod Mini.

Before we jump in, we have a useful tip for you. By default, your HomePod and HomePod Mini will try to install updates automatically. However, if certain features found in a new update require a new version of iOS (which powers your iPhone), your smart speaker will be the last to update (as you have to update your iPhone first in some cases).

Therefore, you can see how handy it can be to know how to update Apple’s HomePod lineup manually, especially if you’re experiencing issues.

Manually Check for HomePod & HomePod Mini Updates

We need to use the Home app for this purpose – like you... Read more

How to Set Up Home Theater Audio Using HomePod and Apple TV

Isaac Norman — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 18:25:11 +0000

If you own an Apple TV as well as a HomePod, you can integrate these two devices and reach a whole new level of audio experience. More precisely, you can now turn your HomePod into a soundbar, creating an immersive audio experience that supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1, and Dolby Digital 5.1. Let’s see how you can connect your HomePod to Apple TV and set up home theater audio.

Here’s What You Need for Apple’s “Home Theater Audio”

This feature (introduced in tvOS 14.2) requires you to have a group of compatible devices. Therefore, before we jump into our step-by-step guide, here’s what you need for Apple’s home theater audio experience.

Apple TV 4K, running the latest version of tvOS.
Single HomePod or a pair of HomePod speakers. Your smart speaker(s) must be running the latest software available as well.
iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch updated to the latest version... Read more

Best Sites to Play Cards Against Humanity Online

Crystal Crowder — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 06:30:16 +0000

Are you a horrible person who desperately needs to play the perfect game for you and other horrible people? Then, gather all your terrible friends to play Cards Against Humanity online. Since you can’t always be in the same room, online options make it easier to make hilariously awkward card combinations that still have everyone laughing until they cry.

1. All Bad Cards

While it’d be great to play Cards Against Humanity online from the official website, sometimes a clone is just as fun. All Bad Cards works just like Cards Against Humanity with some equally disturbing cards. This site is a mix of free and premium options. You can easily jump into an available game, create your own, and even play with AI competitors if you’re all by yourself but still need a good laugh.

This is my personal favorite for a variety of reasons. First, it’s so easy for everyone to play and setting... Read more

6 Things to Get Alexa to Do This Halloween

Jessica Thornsby — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 21:30:10 +0000

Whether you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained or are after some silly Alexa tricks to amuse your friends, Amazon’s Alexa has plenty of tricks (and treats) ready for Halloween. This tutorial shows you how to add a splash of tech to your Halloween, with six creepy things to ask Alexa.

1. Spooky sounds: set the mood or play a prank

If you’re holding any kind of Halloween get-together, then you need the right ambience! The Spooky Halloween Sounds skill has a range of eerie soundtracks that would make the perfect backdrop to any Halloween party.

If you’re after something altogether more terrifying, then Spooky Scream will play a piercing scream after a set period of time has elapsed. This is the perfect skill if you want to unnerve your guests or even play a Halloween prank on your friends and family!

If you’re using a smaller Alexa-enabled speaker such as an Echo Dot, then why not hide this speaker among some Halloween decorations and then set the timer? It’s guaranteed to catch your friends... Read more

5 Ideas to Prepare Your Smart Home for Halloween

Jessica Thornsby — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 21:30:18 +0000

If you’re the kind of person who loves to get creative with tech, then Halloween is the perfect excuse for some fun, frivolous and maybe even a little self-indulgent smart home projects.

Regardless of whether you want to wow trick-or-treaters or scare them away so you can enjoy all that Halloween candy to yourself, here we share some smart home automation tips, tricks and projects, to help you have a distinctly 21st century Halloween.

1. Get your Ring Doorbell ready for Halloween

If you’ve paired your Ring Doorbell with a Ring Chime, then why not swap the standard Chime notification for something spookier?

Ring has a library of Halloween-themed chimes you can choose from, including screams, howls, and bubbling cauldrons. However, these spooky sounds are created by your Ring Chime, and not the Ring Doorbell, so only people inside your house will hear the spooky sound effect.

To get your Ring Chime in the Halloween spirit:

1. Launch the Ring application on your smartphone or tablet.

2. In the upper-left... Read more

How to Control Your Nest Thermostat with Alexa

Jessica Thornsby — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 21:30:12 +0000

Want to control your Nest thermostat using voice commands? By linking your Amazon Alexa account to your Nest thermostat(s), you can easily control the temperature in your home via Alexa.

Once this connection is made, you can check the current temperature and thermostat target temperature or change the temperature – all without ever having to launch the Nest app!

What you’ll need

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to install the Alexa mobile app (available for Android and iOS) and Nest mobile app (available for Android and iOS) on your smartphone. You’ll also need to ensure you’ve logged in to both applications.

Note: for this tutorial, we’re using the Amazon Alexa and Nest applications for iPhone, but the steps should be largely the same for Android users.

Migrate your Nest... Read more

Protect Your Home with the Ring Floodlight Camera

Jessica Thornsby — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 21:30:34 +0000

Are you concerned that someone may be creeping around your property at night? Perhaps you just like the idea of having an extra set of eyes on your property. If you want to secure your property, you may want to check out the Ring Floodlight Camera. This security camera comes with motion detection, floodlights, and even a 110-decibel siren that’s sure to spook potential robbers.

In this tutorial, we show you how to create motion zones, motion schedules, and how to use the alarm in the case of an emergency.

Register your Floodlight cam with the Ring app

Before you can use your floodlight, you need to register it with the Ring mobile app:

1. Launch the Ring application on your mobile phone.

2. In the upper-right corner, tap the hamburger icon.

3. Select “Set Up a Device -> Security Cams.”

You can now scan the QR code or MAC ID that’s printed on your Ring Floodlight. If you’re struggling to find this code, refer to the documentation that came with your floodlight.

How to Set Up and Use the Echo Wall Clock

Jessica Thornsby — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 21:30:24 +0000

Other than the Echo speaker, were you aware that Amazon also produces Alexa-enabled clocks? The Echo Wall Clock is one of the more unique Alexa-enabled devices currently on the market. Here we you how to set up an Echo Wall Clock and cover everything you need to know about it, including how to fix any troubleshooting issues you may encounter.

“Alexa, set a timer for five minutes.”

The Echo Wall Clock is a natural extension of Alexa’s timer feature, as it allows you to physically see the countdown for your various Alexa-set reminders and alarms. Once you’ve set an alarm, the Echo Wall Clock will display a countdown via 60 light notches that are positioned around its face.

6 of the Best Smart Power Strips to Control Even More Devices

Crystal Crowder — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 21:30:27 +0000

While smart plugs are useful, smart power strips give you even more power to control more devices at one time. They might look like your average power strip, but you also get features like app and voice control, ability to set schedules, and individual outlet control. As with most smart devices, picking the right one means narrowing down your choices first. Here are six of the best smart power strips we found.

1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip (Top Pick)

TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Power Strip combines surge protection with six smart outlets. You also get three USB ports to easily connect several devices at once. It’s compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control. Or, use the Kasa Smart app to control your devices remotely from anywhere. No hub is required.

7 Tips for Using Smart Speakers for Remote Learning

Crystal Crowder — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:30:24 +0000

Remote learning wasn’t a choice for many parents and students, but the good news is your smart speaker just may be able to help. Using smart speakers for remote learning can help with everything from keeping a more structured schedule to finding obscure facts for a research paper.

All of the tips below work with most Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa-enabled smart speakers, though individual skills and commands will vary.

1. Add Structure to the School Day

One of the simplest ways to use smart speakers for remote learning is to add structure to your child’s school day. Even when learning from home, it’s a good idea to keep kids on a schedule. Use your smart speakers to set alarms to help them get up on time, switch between subjects, take breaks, and start their homework.

Google Assistant devices just added the Family Bell feature for this purpose. However, you can configure Siri and Alexa... Read more

Can Hubitat Really Offer a More Private Smart Home?

Crystal Crowder — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 21:30:28 +0000

If you’re looking for an easier way to control your smart home, the right hub makes all the difference. But many of these hubs store all your data in the cloud, causing something as simple as turning on a light bulb to become an invasion of privacy. Hubitat wants to change all that by giving you more control with the Hubitat Elevation hub.

Hubitat Works Locally

While the hub works with a wide variety of smart home devices, including those that have to use cloud servers such as Amazon Echo and Google Home devices, Hubitat skips the Internet whenever possible. On the other hand, many popular hubs, such as SmartThings, require the Internet to work.

This immediately gives you two benefits. First, by working and storing all data locally, nothing’s being sent to remote servers all over the world. You don’t have to worry if your information is secure. Of course, if you’re using any cloud-based devices,... Read more

How to Use Your Ring Doorbell with Alexa and Echo Show

Jessica Thornsby — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 21:30:45 +0000

The good thing about the Ring Doorbell is that you can see exactly who’s at the door without having to physically answer it. Simply set up the Ring application on your phone, and you’ll receive a notification every time someone presses your doorbell. If you own an Echo Show, you can go even further and answer your front door using an Alexa voice command.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to connect your Echo Show to your Ring doorbell.

How to set up your Echo Show

If you’ve just purchased an Amazon Echo Show, the first step is connecting your Show to your Wi-Fi network:

1. Attach the Echo Show to a power outlet using the provided power cable.

2. Turn on the power, and your Echo Show should boot automatically.

3. When prompted, select the language you want... Read more

How to Get Alexa to Find Your Missing Phone

Jessica Thornsby — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 21:30:50 +0000

Is there anything more frustrating than losing your smartphone in your own home? In this tutorial you will learn several ways that you can use Alexa, or any Alexa-enabled device, to find your phone.

Find My Phone: using Alexa’s built-in skill

There are several ways you can pinpoint a lost or missing smartphone, including using Alexa’s built-in “Find My Phone” skill.

Once you’ve enabled this skill, simply say: “Alexa, find my phone,” and Amazon’s digital assistant will give you a call.

To enable Find My Phone:

1. Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.

2. In the bottom-right corner, tap “More.”

3. Tap “Skills and Games.”

4. In the upper-right corner, tap the magnifying glass icon.

5. Search for... Read more

How to Watch Netflix On Nest Hub

Crystal Crowder — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 15:30:36 +0000

The Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max give you a convenient screen to go along with Google Assistant access and controls. Now you can watch Netflix on Nest Hub devices. This means Google’s Nest Hub has a major benefit over Amazon’s Echo Show and Facebook’s Portal, especially if you want support for both Netflix and YouTube built in.

Netflix Finally Supported

Google announced on July 21, 2020 that Netflix is finally supported by a smart display. The Echo Show and Portal still don’t have official Netflix support. Not only can you stream directly from your device, but you’ll be able to cast Netflix to your TV as well.

While Google already gives users access to Hulu, Disney+, CBS All Access, Sling TV, Peacock, and more, being able to watch Netflix on Nest Hub devices gives users the ultimate variety to choose from. Plus, since the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max are also smart speakers, you can control everything with... Read more

How to Make Alexa More Accessible for the Visually-Impaired

Jessica Thornsby — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 21:25:50 +0000

Whether it’s asking Alexa to announce the date and time or setting alarms and reminders, Amazon’s Alexa can be a useful tool for the visually impaired. Out of the box, Alexa is already an accessible service, but there are some additional accessibility features that you may want to enable and tweaks that can improve your experiences with Amazon’s digital assistance.

In this tutorial, we take a look at five accessibility features for both your Alexa-enabled device and the Alexa mobile app.

1. VoiceOver and TalkBack: Try your device’s built-in screen reader

Regardless of whether you’re an Android or iOS user, there are several ways that you can make the Amazon Alexa app more accessible, including using a screen reader.

If you’re an iOS user, Apple devices come with built-in support for the VoiceOver screen reader. Once VoiceOver... Read more