The 15 Best Amazon Alexa-Compatible Devices to Buy in 2019
Posted by BRENT DIRKS
As you’ve probably already noticed, Amazon Alexa continues to expand its reach. The personal assistant is just a little more than four years old and has come a long way from its humble beginnings with the original Amazon Echo smart speaker.
Alexa now powers a whole host of devices and a simple voice command can accomplish some pretty surprising tasks with the right hardware. In this article, we’re highlighting the best Alexa-compatible devices that you should take a look at in 2019.
1. Roav Viva
Just say “Alexa, directions to home.”
Alexa can go for a ride with Anker’s Roav Viva. Just plug it into a free cigarette lighter in your car to get started. When on the go, a quick voice command will provide access to Alexa’s features, including calling, messaging, drop in, and announcements.
The adapter also features two USB ports so you can charge other devices.
2. Amazon Echo Spot
Just say, “Alexa, wake me up tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. to my morning playlist from Spotify.”
The Amazon Echo Spot features a 2.5-inch, round touchscreen. A great feature, not found on the larger Echo Show, is a number of different analog and digital clock faces that make the device perfect to use as a voice-controllable alarm clock.
You can take advantage of all the different Alexa-enabled skills using the Spot, such as voice calling and messaging. With a built-in camera, you can also place video calls to other Alexa devices or anyone with the compatible smartphone app. Make sure to take a look at everything you should know about the Amazon Echo Spot.
3. AmazonBasics Microwave
Just say “Alexa, reheat one cup of coffee.”
A true Alexa smart home is moving closer to reality with the AmazonBasics Microwave. You’ll need another Amazon Echo device to control the microwave. But once that is set up, there are more than 24 voice-controllable presets to select from. You can also even specify a particular time for the 700-watt microwave to cook.
4. Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller
Just say, “Alexa, tell Rachio to water the side yard for 2 minutes.”
Smart sprinkler controllers can save homeowners both water and money. Taking the place of a standard irrigation system controller, the smart version can provide better insight on when a lawn needs water and exactly how much.
One of the best choices on the market is the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. While you can set an automatic schedule, Alexa can also help out. With a voice command, users can start and stop watering, turn on a rain delay, and more.
5. Echo Wall Clock
Just say “Alexa, set a timer for 5 minutes.”
Setting a timer is one of the most popular ways to interact with Alexa, and the Echo Wall Clock provides a way to quickly view how much time is left. You’ll need to pair the clock to another Echo device, but you can view one or multiple timers with the 60 LEDs around the outer edge of the analog clock.
6. Hunter Signal Ceiling Fan
Just say, “Alexa, turn on my kitchen fan.”
Even ceiling fans are joining forces with Alexa. Along with offering HomeKit support for Apple devices, the Hunter Signal Ceiling Fan also works with Alexa.
Users can control the speed of the fan and dim the lights with their voice. A special WhisperWind motor brings strong air movement without significant noise. Thanks to a reversible motor, you can use the fan all year by changing the direction of the motor in the winter to help keep your home warm.
7. Sonos One
Just say, “Alexa, play Beastie Boys from Spotify.”
If sound quality is your top priority when looking for a smart speaker with Alexa built-in, take a look at the Sonos One. Sonos has always been well-known for delivering top-quality audio, and the Sonos One brings Alexa to the mix.
You can accomplish almost everything possible with an Echo device, including playing music, controlling smart home devices, and interacting with skills. Buyers can select from a black or white version to match their home decor.
8. Sengled Element Classic A19 Starter Kit
Just say, “Alexa, turn the bedroom light to 50 percent brightness.”
Smart lighting is one of the simplest ways to add technology to a home. While the Sengled Element Classic A19 requires a wireless hub, the lights are substantially more affordable than the popular Philips Hue line of products.
The starter kit comes with two dimmable A19 LED soft white bulbs. Using Alexa, you can turn the bulbs on and off along with changing the brightness level.
9. Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Just say, “Alexa, ask Anova to cook a steak.”
A kitchen device to test your culinary prowess, the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker provides a great way for home cooks to try out the popular cooking method. If you’re unaware, sous vide means food sealed in a bag cooked in a water bath at a consistent temperature. You can cook a surprising amount of items using the method, everything from steaks to soups and even desserts.
With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the cooker can be controlled with a smartphone app and also with Alexa. Using Alexa, cooks can heat water to a specific temperature, cook a certain item, and more.
10. EZVIZ Mini O Wi-Fi Camera
Just say, “Alexa, show me the living room.”
A great feature of the Amazon Echo Show and Echo Spot is the ability to view live camera feeds of certain models on screen by just asking Alexa.
Along with night vision, the EZVIZ Mini O Wi-Fi Camera has a 111-degree viewing angle to show exactly what’s going on a room. With a built-in microphone and speaker, you can listen and talk to whoever is near the camera.
11. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II
Just say “Alexa, play Bruce Springsteen on Amazon Music.”
Bose has always been a top name when looking for noise-canceling headphones. And the QuietComfort 35 Series II adds Alexa control to the mix. Just press the action button on the bottom of the headphones to play music, turn up the volume, and more.
12. Bosch BCM8450UC Automatic Coffee Maker
Just say, “Alexa, tell Home Connect Coffee Machine to prepare a large, extra strong Latte Macchiato.”
Why go to Starbucks when Alexa can act as your personal barista at home? The Bosch BCM8450UC Automatic Coffee Maker needs to be built into your kitchen to operate. If you have the room (and the cash) you’re in for an unbeatable home coffee experience. All you need to add is coffee beans, milk, and water. Then, sit back and enjoy.
And while the machine is accessible with a smartphone app, the Alexa voice controls are even easier. Just say what type of coffee you’re in the mood for and the Bosch machine will take care of the rest.
13. Fire TV Cube
Just say “Alexa, turn on the TV and tune to ESPN.”
Remotes are a thing of the past when using the Fire TV Cube in your living room. You can ask Alexa to turn on your TV and soundbar while even starting a specific program. The cube is capable of streaming 4K content at 60fps along with HDR and Dolby Atmos audio. It can also access popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon’s own Prime Video.
14. Automatic Pro
Just say, “Alexa, ask Automatic where my car is.”
You don’t need to spend big bucks for a car with smart features. The Automatic Pro is a small device that plugs into a modern car’s OBD-II port for constant power. There’s no need for a smartphone, as built-in 3G service is free for five years.
It can provide real-time vehicle location no matter who is driving a car and also will decode check engine lights and deploy emergency services if a crash is detected.
With Alexa integration, you can ask where the car is parked, if you need gas, and to find out more about your driving habits.
15. Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat
Just say, “Alexa, turn the thermostat to 70 degrees.”
The Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat is currently one of the best Alexa smart home devices on the market, and for good reason.
The device is a double threat. You can control a home’s heating and air conditioning with a simple Alexa command on any compatible device. The thermostat also has Alexa controls built-in, meaning it can act as a standalone option like the Amazon Echo Dot.
A Growing World of Alexa-Compatible Devices
Amazon’s Alexa continues to gain traction and partner with more interesting and unique devices. Even though the voice control assistant is far from perfect, the growing number of uses are definitely interesting and point to a very bright future for Amazon’s ecosystem.
And Alexa-compatible devices can do much more than just play music or tell you the weather outside. Take a look at these great ways to use an Amazon Echo and Alexa to be more productive.
Read the full article: The 15 Best Amazon Alexa-Compatible Devices to Buy in 2019
