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11 Cool Things Alexa Can Do

If you use Alexa as a virtual assistant, you likely already know she can play your favorite song or can dim the lights for you. But Alexa has several skills you may not even know about. Here are 11 things Alexa can do for you.

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Cool Things Your Alexa Can Do for You

If you use Alexa as a virtual assistant, you likely already know she can play your favorite song or can dim the lights for you. But Alexa has several skills you may not even know about. Here are 11 things Alexa can do for you.

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Ask Alexa for a Beat

If you feel like rapping, ask Alexa to give you a beat. She’ll offer up a bunch of different sounds every time you ask for you to freestyle to.

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Use Alexa as a Kitchen Assistant

When you’re trying out a new recipe, use Alexa as your kitchen assistant. Have her tell you how many cups are in a quart, how many tablespoons are in a stick of butter or have her set a timer so you don’t burn the sauce!

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Have Alexa Cheer You Up

Having a bad day? Go ahead and tell Alexa that you’re sad. She’ll be supportive and will give you some encouraging tips to help put you in a better mood.

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Recite Star Wars Lines

Is there a Star Wars fan in your home? Try asking Alexa to talk like Yoda. Or tell her, “Alexa, I am your father.” You may be surprised at her clever response.

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Voicecast

Take whatever it is you’re listening to with you. If you’re listening to a podcast on Alexa in your kitchen, but need to step outside to the patio, just say “Alexa, send that to my phone” and you can keep listening.

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Find Your Lost Phone

Admit it, sometimes you forget where you left your smartphone. If your device is connected to Alexa, just say, “Alexa, find my phone” and she’ll make it ring.

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Ask for Cowbell

If “More Cowbell” is one of your favorite Saturday Night Live skits, see what happens when you say, “Alexa, more cowbell.” It’s worth it.

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Fake a Sneeze

You never know when you might need to fake a sneeze, but Alexa can help with that. Just ask her to sneeze and she’ll make it happen.

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Know the Weather Forecast

Alexa will be happy to tell you all the details of your city’s weather forecast. She’ll also be happy to let you know the forecast of any other city—you just have to ask.

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Ask the Time

Of course, Alexa will let you know what time it is where you are, but she can come in handy if you’re trying to schedule something in a different time zone. Never be late for a virtual meeting again!

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Get Updates on Travel

Do you deal with a rough work commute? Just let Alexa know your home address and your work address and she’ll keep you updated on travel times.

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Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.