The process of using technology like Alexa to control your home environment is known as voice-controlled home automation. Google estimates that up to 72% of people who own a voice control home automation device claim that this technology has become an integral part of their daily lives. Knowing how to control Alexa for optimal results that will make your life easier is crucial for making the best of your purchase.
With Alexa hanging on your every word, managing a smart home can feel awesomely powerful – or maybe that’s just us. But it can be frustrating, however, when she doesn’t understand what you want, so we’re going to take a closer look at controlling your TV via Alexa.
It’s simple to connect Alexa to your smart TV, requiring no specialist knowledge whatsoever, so once that’s done, the fun can begin!
Which commands can Alexa understand?
There are thousands of commands that Alexa understands, and it’s fun every time a new instruction is discovered. However, if you just want to relax after a long day at work or you’ve got your mates round for film night, here are the best commands for you to know:
- To switch TV on/off – Alexa, turn on/off TV
- To switch to a different channel – Alexa, switch to/go to/watch [channel name]
- To find a film on a streaming app – Alexa, play [film name] on Prime
- To find a specific film genre – Alexa, search for action film/search for horror films on Netflix
- To find a specific actor’s movies – Alexa, show me Tom Hanks’ movies
- To control the playing of a movie – Alexa, skip forward/go back 10 seconds/pause
- To find an app – Alexa, search for/download [app name/genre]
And the fun doesn’t stop there. From the comfort of your sofa, you can control your whole smart home via the lovely Alexa. Ask her to put the lights on, and if you have smart lightbulbs, she’ll switch them on. Cooker, washing machine, in fact, any smart-enabled device and she’s got it sorted!
It’s impossible to list every command Alexa understands, so why not watch this video for loads more to use: