Got 'Alexa' ?

[Dangler]

Alexa, sold by Amazon, is a home control type of setup. It can be set/configured to turn lights on/off, either/or by schedule or by your vocal commands.
Lights could be one item to control, fans, Roomba vacuums, and many home items. Lights can be (purchased/used) which are dimmable, which may be color controlled, scheduled, or activated in a variety of ways.
Some of these devices can be part of your homes Wi/Fi network, like individual clients, or (if so equipped) can be parts of a Zigbee network, integrated with the latest, Alexa 4th generation, equipment.

I've put two lights in my living room as dimmable, three as only on/off, (a 'behind the bigscreen accent light, a night light, and a brighter room light). The dimmable are programmed to (on a voice command to Alexa) to be set to be like a movie theater comfort level.

The master bedroom has dimmable lights at the right and left bed-bedtables, and a lamp at the far end has a color controlled bulb, for that 'special mood' brightness and hue. Just added a voice controlled/dimmable reading light, over the head of the bed. Nice.

The office has 3 lights, and a small fan, all controlled by Alexa (or voice control).

Lastly, Alexa and my Roomba vacuum can communicate. A simple voice(or pre scheduled event) and I can order the Roomba to vacuum the living room, hallway, dining area, office, or bedrooms. When the Roomba finishes, needs to recharge its battery, or needs to empty its 'bag', it returns to its 'home' to do what it needs to do.

Music can be played thru one, or all Alexa speakers, voice controlled, as could reading of Kindle books and publications

I just did a little bit at a time, growing here, improving there, adding, refining, learning. Anyone using Amazon's Alexa to control stuff ? Lots of possibilities, if you can free up your imagination and your thinking. Specialized skills not required. You control how much and how far you want to grow, kind of like PE.

[not2big]

For those technologically challenged, Alexa can also play your favorite music and answer questions

[CUSP82]

For those technologically challenged, Alexa can also play your favorite music and answer questions

And it's a great alarm clock. Hey is Amazon giving us money for saying stuff like is?

[Dangler]

added in to increase the range of my dual band network, a Range extender.
Quick, easy to add, works great.

RE450_us_V1_1018_normal_1_20150623194800.jpg

[not2big]

You can play Jeopardy on Alexa.

[Dangler]

I have , on occasion, the need to reset my TVIsion cable tv box, by disconnecting and reconnecting its power. Being it is behind the tv, it is inconvenient.
Today, I set up a Smart plug, with Alexa, to on vocal command , to disconnect power, count to 4, and reapply the power.

Tested ok, one less pain in the arse. What a major relief.

[CUSP82]

The ole reboot. I told a friend of mine if he see's me in the hospital hooked up to all kinds of machines about to die unplug them wait 30 seconds, and then plug in again. Hey it may work.

[not2big]

[Alex1988]

Skynet...and so it begins

[Dangler]

More parts/equipment ordered to continue development of my house into a SmartHome.

4 ea smart dimmer/switches, Gosund
3 ea smart on/off switches, Gosund
2 Antique Smart wifi bulbs

a few assorted switch plates