Archives - Amazon Echo

Change your Alexa wake word

If you have an Echo, or another Alexa device, it could be listening to your conversations if your wake word is something you use often. Amazon claims that only relevant conversations are stored, but if you want to limit the amount of conversations that fall in this category, you may need to be more cautious. […]

Delete sensitive stored recordings from your Alexa device

Unless you remove them, Alexa will store text and audio recordings indefinitely. While this is used to improve the performance of your Echo or other devices, if unauthorized parties gain access, they can use personal information to hijack additional accounts. From the Alexa app, open Settings. Then select “Account Settings” and “History.” Delete the desired […]

How to safely manage your voice-controlled gadgets

Devices with voice recognition became much more common throughout the 2010s. The addition of Siri to the iPhone 4S in 2011 spurred major competition among tech vendors looking to put voice-powered assistants at the center of how end users interact with their phones, tablets, speakers and smart TVs. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, among others, […]

How to childproof your smart home

In the last few years, the smart home has transitioned from an interesting concept into a tangible reality. Devices such as voice-controlled speakers, networked thermostats, Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerators, automated floor cleaners and smart TVs are now rapidly changing the way many houses and apartments look, feel and sound. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global market for smart homes should expand […]

Configure a child lock on your smart TV

Smart TVs have built-in internet connectivity that allows you to stream video and purchase content like movies, TV shows and songs. Like an Echo, this functionality can be unknowingly misused by kids. Establishing a child lock – basically just a PIN that needs to be entered to unlock the device or make any purchases – […]

Turn off voice purchases on your Amazon Echo

Smart home devices have begun to take off with the popularity of the Amazon Echo in particular. One of the defining features of the Echo is the ability to order specific items from Amazon Prime with just a voice command. However, you might want to turn off it to make sure your child doesn’t erroneously […]