Alexa, the intelligent virtual assistant developed by Amazon, has revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. From controlling our smart home devices to setting reminders and playing music, Alexa has become an integral part of our daily lives. But did you know that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy the benefits of Alexa? In this article, we’ll explore the surprising things you can get for free on Alexa, and how to make the most of your virtual assistant without spending a dime.
Music To Your Ears: Free Music Streaming On Alexa
One of the most popular uses of Alexa is streaming music. And the good news is that you don’t need an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription to enjoy your favorite tunes on Alexa. With a few simple voice commands, you can access a wide range of free music streaming services, including:
- iHeartRadio: With over 850 live radio stations and a vast library of podcasts, iHeartRadio is a great option for music lovers. Simply say “Alexa, play [station name] on iHeartRadio” to get started.
- TuneIn: This popular streaming service offers access to over 100,000 live radio stations from around the world. Just say “Alexa, play [station name] on TuneIn” to tune in to your favorite station.
In addition to these services, you can also access free music streaming on Alexa through Amazon’s own music library. With a vast collection of songs, playlists, and radio stations, you’ll never be short of music to listen to.
Stay Informed With Free News Updates
Alexa is not just a music streaming device; it’s also a great way to stay informed about current events. With a range of free news updates available, you can get the latest news and information on a variety of topics, including politics, sports, and entertainment.
Flash Briefing: Your Daily Dose Of News
One of the most popular news features on Alexa is the Flash Briefing. This daily update provides a brief overview of the day’s top news stories, including headlines from top news outlets like NPR, CNN, and Fox News. To access the Flash Briefing, simply say “Alexa, play my Flash Briefing” or “Alexa, what’s my Flash Briefing?”
News Updates From Top Outlets
In addition to the Flash Briefing, you can also access news updates from top outlets like BBC News, Al Jazeera, and The New York Times. Simply say “Alexa, play [news outlet] news” to get the latest updates.
Get Fit With Free Workout Routines
Staying fit and healthy is important, but it can be expensive. However, with Alexa, you can access a range of free workout routines and fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, and strength training.
Alexa Fitness: Your Personal Trainer
Alexa Fitness is a built-in feature that offers a range of free workout routines, including cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. To access Alexa Fitness, simply say “Alexa, start a workout” or “Alexa, what’s a good workout for today?”
Third-Party Fitness Skills
In addition to Alexa Fitness, you can also access a range of third-party fitness skills, including FITIV, Aaptiv, and Nike Training Club. These skills offer a variety of workouts and training programs, all available for free.
Skill Up With Free Education And Learning
Alexa is not just a tool for entertainment; it’s also a great resource for learning and education. With a range of free skills and features, you can improve your language skills, learn new subjects, and even prepare for exams.
Language Learning With Alexa
Want to learn a new language? Alexa can help. With a range of language learning skills, including Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone, you can improve your language skills in no time. Simply say “Alexa, open [language learning skill]” to get started.
Other Educational Skills
In addition to language learning, you can also access a range of other educational skills, including:
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Khan Academy | Access a range of free online courses and resources on subjects like math, science, and history. |
| Quizlet | Study for exams and test your knowledge with Quizlet’s vast library of flashcards and study guides. |
More Free Stuff On Alexa
In addition to music, news, fitness, and education, there are many other free things you can do on Alexa. Here are a few more:
Alexa Games
Alexa has a range of built-in games, including Jeopardy!, Trivial Pursuit, and Word Chain. You can also access third-party games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Hangman.
Alexa Jokes
Need a laugh? Alexa has a vast collection of jokes on a range of topics, including animals, sports, and food. Simply say “Alexa, tell me a joke” to get started.
Weather Updates
Want to know what the weather’s like outside? Alexa can give you the latest forecast, including temperature, precipitation, and wind speed.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many surprising things you can get for free on Alexa. From music and news to fitness and education, Alexa offers a range of free features and skills that can enhance your daily life. Whether you’re looking to stay informed, get fit, or simply have some fun, Alexa has got you covered. So why not explore the world of free Alexa skills and features today? You might be surprised at what you can discover.
Can I Use Alexa Without An Amazon Echo Device?
You can use Alexa without an Amazon Echo device, but you’ll need an Alexa-enabled device. There are several third-party devices that come with Alexa built-in, such as speakers, soundbars, and even some smartphones. You can also download the Alexa app on your smartphone and use it to control your smart home devices or access Alexa skills.
While you won’t get the full Echo experience, you can still enjoy many of Alexa’s features without shelling out for an Echo device. Just be sure to check the compatibility of your device with Alexa and ensure that it meets the minimum system requirements for using the Alexa app.
What Kind Of Free Skills Are Available On Alexa?
Alexa offers a wide range of free skills that can be activated with voice commands. Some popular free skills include news updates, weather forecasts, traffic reports, and even guided meditation sessions. You can also use Alexa to control your smart home devices, play music, and set alarms and reminders. Additionally, there are skills from popular brands like Uber, Domino’s Pizza, and NPR that allow you to order food, track your ride, or listen to the news.
To find and enable free skills, simply open the Alexa app, navigate to the Skills section, and browse through the various categories. You can read reviews, check the skill’s ratings, and even watch demo videos to get a better understanding of what the skill does. Once you’ve enabled a skill, you can use voice commands to access it.
Can I Use Alexa To Control My Smart Home Devices For Free?
Yes, you can use Alexa to control your smart home devices for free, as long as they are compatible with Alexa. Many popular smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras, can be controlled with voice commands using Alexa. You can turn on lights, adjust the temperature, or even view camera feeds using just your voice.
To get started, you’ll need to enable the skill for your specific smart home device and link it to your Alexa account. Once you’ve done that, you can use voice commands to control your devices. For example, you can say “Alexa, turn on the living room lights” or “Alexa, set the thermostat to 72 degrees.” Keep in mind that some devices may require a subscription or a one-time fee to use certain features.
Are There Any Free Music Options Available On Alexa?
Yes, there are several free music options available on Alexa. You can listen to ad-supported radio stations, playlists, and even podcasts using Alexa. You can also use Alexa to play music from your personal music library or stream music from services like Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn.
To access free music on Alexa, simply say “Alexa, play [artist or song name]” or “Alexa, play [genre or mood] music.” You can also use voice commands to switch between different music services or stations. Keep in mind that some services may require a subscription or a one-time fee to access certain features or content.
Can I Use Alexa To Make Phone Calls And Send Messages For Free?
Yes, you can use Alexa to make phone calls and send messages for free, but there are some limitations. You can use Alexa to call or message other Alexa users, as well as make voice or video calls to people who have the Alexa app installed on their smartphone. However, you cannot use Alexa to make traditional phone calls to landlines or mobile numbers.
To get started, you’ll need to enable the Alexa Calling and Messaging skill and grant Alexa permission to access your contact list. Then, you can use voice commands to initiate a call or send a message. For example, you can say “Alexa, call [contact name]” or “Alexa, send a message to [contact name].”
Are There Any Free Games And Entertainment Options Available On Alexa?
Yes, there are several free games and entertainment options available on Alexa. You can play games like Jeopardy!, Trivial Pursuit, and Would You Rather using voice commands. You can also use Alexa to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and even interactive stories.
To access free games and entertainment on Alexa, simply say “Alexa, play [game name]” or “Alexa, listen to [podcast or audiobook title].” You can also use voice commands to switch between different games or entertainment options. Keep in mind that some games may require a subscription or a one-time fee to access certain features or content.
Can I Use Alexa To Get Free News Updates And Information?
Yes, you can use Alexa to get free news updates and information. Alexa provides news updates from popular sources like NPR, CNN, and Fox News, as well as news briefs from specific categories like sports, entertainment, and business. You can also use Alexa to get information on weather, traffic, and even stock prices.
To get started, simply say “Alexa, what’s the news?” or “Alexa, what’s the weather like?” You can also use voice commands to get specific information, such as “Alexa, what’s the latest sports news?” or “Alexa, what’s the current stock price of [company name]?” Alexa will provide you with the latest information available.