Did you find an Amazon Alexa under the tree this Christmas? Use it wisely.
You might already know your new household assistant can set a timer, play music and forecast the weather; but there are ten tricks Alexa can also pull off that few people take advantage of, such as feeding the dog.
According to USA Today Alexa can connect to smart dog feeders to make sure your four-legged family members are well fed if you can’t make it home in time. Alexa can also tell if the dog is getting enough exercise if you connect it to a smart collar.
Or if you want to keep your new year’s resolution to diet Alexa can keep you on track. Enable the talk me down skill and Alexa will throw phrases at you that include don’t give in to weakness and fight for yourself. She can also command you to exercise by giving you tasks such as planks or yoga poses.
For more tricks from your new toy go to check out “10 things you didn’t know your Amazon Echo could do” on USA Today now. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
About Brian
CBS News Radio national business journalist Brian Banmiller has spent more than 40 years in the news industry, covering business, politics and the economy on television, radio and in print. Currently, his “Banmiller on Business” reports are delivered to an audience of millions nationwide.
