50 episodes

Follow the journey of using the Amazon Echo and get power tips and get more out of your Amazon Echo

Alexa Cast | An Unofficial Journey of an Amazon Echo User David Jackson

    • Technology
    • 4.0 • 16 Ratings

Follow the journey of using the Amazon Echo and get power tips and get more out of your Amazon Echo

    Dad Jokes For Father's Day From Alexa

    Dad Jokes For Father's Day From Alexa

    00:11 Alexa, Tell Me a Dad Joke
    00:33 Alexa Read the Book (title) on Audible
    01:01 Alex Play the Podcast (Title)
    01:43 Alexa Drop In on (Room Name)
    02:48 Alexa Open Box of Cats
    Our website is www.alecacast.com
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Power of Podcasting Network
    Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com
    Power of Podcasting

    • 3 min
    Wild Fire Fumes? Alexa Enabled Air Purifiers

    Wild Fire Fumes? Alexa Enabled Air Purifiers

    As I record this, the skylines of some large cities in the united states have serious smoke issues in their skyline. There are some air purifiers that can help clean the air of your home. You can also use these devices to monitor and then trigger other Alexa enabled devices.
    Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa– A Certified for Humans DeviceAmazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa– A Certified for Humans Device. This is a great "IF" tool if you are trying to set up a "IF this happens, then do This." For example you might have it say when the temperature goes over this temperature, turn on a fan. Check it out on Amazon.
    Wyze Air Purifier with Allergen filterThis device has three different types of filters you can use. There is an Allergen Filter, a Wildfire Filter, and a Formaldehyde Filter. The unit is super quiet. The precision sensor scans the surrounding air for airborne particles, measures air quality down to 0.3 microns, and adjusts automatically. I named mine, "Dusty" and I can login to the Wyze app and see my air quality.
    Check it out on Amazon
    Filtrete Smart Air Purifier & Air Quality MonitorDesigned with the auto-mode in mind to clear your air automatically, electronic touch controls, light dimmer and filter life indicator that shows the percentage left on your filter’s life. Filters last approximately six months.
    Check it out on Amazon
    LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Large RoomH13 True HEPA Filtration. The compact frame and 360° design help the Core 200S purify the air wherever you put it, refreshing the air 5x per hour in rooms as large as 183 ft² / 17 m². While the ultra-fine Nylon Pre-Filter and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter capture large particles and absorb odors and fumes. While the ultra-fine Nylon Pre-Filter and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter capture large particles and absorb odors and fumes
    Check it out on Amazon
    Lasko Smart Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter, Removes 99.97% of Smoke, Odors, Pet Dander, Virus Sized Particles, Pollen, Dust and Mold.Simply say “Alexa, Turn on Air Purifier”, or “Alexa, Set Air Purifier Speed to 4” to enjoy a cleaner environment. 2-stage filtration protects against the top airborne irritants common in most environments. The activated carbon filter removes smoke, VOCs & odors; HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne irritants such as virus-sized particles, mold, pet dander, pollen, dust & other allergens down to 0.3 microns. 2-stage filtration protects against the top airborne irritants common in most environments. Alexa, Set DreamMode” will operate the DreamMode function which uses ultra-low speed & dimmed display lights to create an ideal sleep environment; Lasko purifiers for home are ETL listed, and come with trusted safety fuse technology.
    Check it out on Amazon
    *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Power of Podcasting Network
    Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com
    Power of Podcasting

    • 8 min
    From Good Morning to Good Night: Fully Customizable Routines with Amazon's Alexa

    From Good Morning to Good Night: Fully Customizable Routines with Amazon's Alexa

    On this episode of Alexa Cast, we're diving into the world of smart home devices and routines. We'll explore the basics of getting started with routines, finding inspiration within the Alexa app's pre-made templates, and customizing routines to suit individual needs.
    Dave shares insightful tips and tricks, such as utilizing Fire TV actions to add to your routines and incorporating a "DND" (do not disturb) technique during reading time. We'll also discuss the usefulness of routines, including morning and nighttime routines, screen time tracking, and more. Join us for an informative and entertaining episode that will leave you eager to explore the possibilities of creating routines with Alexa."
    Mentioned In This EpisodeFire TV
    Amazon Alexa Page
    Alexa Routines Page on Amazon
    *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
    Key Points- Introduction of the topic of smart home devices and routines
    - Using the featured routines in the Alexa app as templates
    - Using Fire TV actions to enhance routines
    - Creating custom routines with Alexa based on scheduled times
    - Different routines available on Alexa, including good morning routine, start my day routine, screen time routine, weather after alarm routine, and good night routine
    - Customizing routines for individual preferences
    - Introducing the concept of creating routines with Alexa and the limitless possibilities
    - Cool examples of routines include scheduling porch lights to turn on automatically, nightlight and sleep sounds routine, and Alexa Guard routine
    - Sharing routines with friends and family
    - Explanation of what routines are and how they work
    - Personal anecdote about using routines to announce dinner time
    - Tips for creating a productive and calming environment with routines
    - How to create a "start my day" routine and enable routines through voice commands or the Alexa app
    - Gratitude towards listeners and recommending the podcast to Alexa owners
    - Daily stock market updates
    - Using Fire TV actions to add actions to routines
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Power of Podcasting Network
    Find this and other great podcasting, weight loss and tech shows at powerofpodcasting.com
    Power of Podcasting

    • 7 min
    Speaker Groups - Notifications - Prime Day 2022

    Speaker Groups - Notifications - Prime Day 2022

    Today is Prime Day in cases you didn't know. If you're not sure what Amazon Prime is, it's a program where you get free shipping and so much more. More Information (aff link)
    Speaker Groups
    You can set up different speakers to be a group. I set up an "Everywhere" group where every device is set to it. Then I set up my notifications to be announced "everywhere."
    This way instead of having my notification only be on the device on my desk, if I'm in the kitchen I will be notified on the device in the kitchen (and living room, etc).
    Alexa can even send notifications to your phone (great if you're not home). 
    In the app, you can have it turn on the "yellow circle" if you miss the notification.
     
    Prime Deals on Amazon Products MORE INFORMATION (AFF LINK)
     

    • 3 min
    Prime Day Deal Kicking Off Early

    Prime Day Deal Kicking Off Early

    While Amazon Prime Day is October 13th there are also some really cool deals in the Smart Home area and plugs, cameras, echo and other devices are having their prices slashed. Expect to hear a little more from me over the next few days. 
    CHECK OUT THESE DEALS

    • 2 min
    Amazon Release a Ton of New Features and Products

    Amazon Release a Ton of New Features and Products

    Amazon Announced some new products and new features.
    New HardWare
    Echo Show 10 Third Generation:
    The screen now swivels and follows you. 
    13-megapixel camera.
    Brushless motor - silent
    Check it out on Amazon
    New Fire Stick
    Latest release of our best-selling streaming device - 50% more powerful than previous gen for fast streaming in Full HD. Includes Alexa Voice Remote with power and volume buttons.
    Less clutter, more control - Alexa Voice Remote lets you use your voice to search and launch shows across apps. Plus, control power and volume on your TV and soundbar with a single remote.
    Home theater audio with Dolby Atmos - Feel scenes come to life with immersive Dolby Atmos audio on select titles with compatible home audio systems.
    Tens of thousands of channels, Alexa skills, and apps - Including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and HBO. Subscription fees may apply.
    500,000+ movies and TV episodes - With thousands included in your Prime membership.
    Live TV - Watch your favorite live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others.
    Free TV - Access over 20,000 free movies and TV shows from apps like IMDb TV, Tubi, Pluto TV and more
    Check out the new Fire Stick TV
    Echo Dot Fourth Generation
    The new spherical version has a better speaker, an optional clock, and a kids version.
    Check out the Echo Dot on Amazon
     
    Luna
    Amazon's cloud gaming service where it's easy to play great games on devices you already own.
    More information
    New Amazon Alexa/Echo Features
    Group Calling - makes it easier to call a group (family, friends). Alexa call (name of group)
    Zoom Meetings and Amazon Chime - Just say, “Alexa, join my Zoom meeting,” or “Alexa, start my Chime meeting,” to join a video meeting on select Echo Show devices.
    Video Effects - Cause you need bubbles in your 10 AM meeting...
    Care Hub - Stay in touch with aging family members so they can say Alexa, call for help and have it come to you.
    Gaurd Plus - Play dog or siren sounds if someone breaks in. Subscribe and have Alexa call for help.
    Increased Privacy - Alexa, delete everything I've said.
    Food Planning - Plan meals for the week by adding items to your Whole Foods Market or Amazon Fresh cart, and once your delivery arrives, ask, “Alexa, what's for dinner” to see personalized recipes based on what you just had delivered.
    Sound Detectors - Example: create a Routine that turns the light on in the bedroom to help you wake up when Alexa detects the sound of a baby crying, or one that turns on white noise when your partner starts to snore at night.
    Netflix- Coming soon
    Music Sharing - Alexa, share this song with (name). They can listen through the Alexa App
    Reading Sidekick - Let Alexa teach your kids to read.
    Alexa Profile For Kids - She switches to recognizes and switches to "kid mode" when she detects a child on all devices.
     
     

    • 17 min

Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5
16 Ratings

16 Ratings

PJDJ2007 ,

So helpful!

Well done - just exploring Her now and having fun using this podcast as my North Star... keep it up.

jimmeek55 ,

Great show!

Oh my gosh! I used to listen to, and correspond with Dave back in 2012 when I was doing podcasting with Ctrl-Alt-Deliver and listening to his School of Podcasting show. Just discovered this show and it is a joy to listen to. Dave’s delivery has always been very natural and heart felt. His audio quality is top notch. Glad to have reconnected with him and look forward to following this show. We have four Dots and one Echo in the house and looking to utilize them as fully as we can from intercoms to home automation. Hope to pick up some good tricks from Dave.

Agerillo ,

My Favorite Alexa Related Podcast

David does a great job! His topics are relative and intriguing. Sound quality and production seem very high quality for what he says is a work from home setup. I also find some of the things he says to be humorous and entertaining even when I’m not sure that’s exactly what he’s going for. He comes across as a “real” person and when I listen to his podcast, it’s like he’s having a conversation with me about the features and Alexa related news! Love it, definitely worth a listen and has helped me download some new skills that have been totally worthwhile!

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