(BPT) - With summer upon us and travel plans likely on hold, it's time to figure out what's on your family's summer bucket list. Whether it's learning a new language, reading one book a week or exploring your culinary skills, there are many different ways a smart home with Amazon Alexa can make this summer your best one yet. From enabling Skills to setting up Routines, here are seven different ways Amazon Devices and Alexa can help:
1. Rise and shine
Although many of us think of summer as the time to sleep in, try setting a consistent routine this season. Start the day off right by setting a Routine through your Alexa app. Alexa can wake you at the same time each day with a friendly 'good morning,' play your favorite song or even turn on your bedside lamp with an Amazon Smart Plug.
2. Practice self-care
Make yourself a priority this summer. Whether that includes working out, doing yoga, or taking a moment to slow down and meditate, Alexa can help you stay on track. With the Fire TV Stick 4K, ask Alexa to start a 7-minute workout for a quick sweat or open your favorite workout with the Peloton app.
3. Get work done
A productive work environment can help increase your daily performance. Upgrade your home Wi-Fi with an eero mesh wi-fi router for reliable signal and an Echo Dot to stay on top of tasks with your calendar and to-do lists. In addition to being able to control your schedule, you also have full control over your voice recordings and more with Alexa. Alexa and Echo devices are built with multiple layers of privacy - from microphone and camera controls to the ability to review and delete your voice recordings. It's easy to manage your recordings by simply saying, 'Alexa, delete what I just said' or 'Alexa, delete everything I said today.' You can also use the Alexa app or Alexa Privacy Settings for full control over your voice recordings and more.
4. Learn new skills
Take this summer to expand your knowledge and learn new skills. With Amazon Devices, you can start learning a new language with the Rosetta Stone skill or read new books with the Fire HD 8 Tablet or Kindle Paperwhite. Learn new skills in the kitchen by trying recipes with the Food Network Kitchen skill on the Echo Show.
5. Plan for the week
Staying organized will help keep your summer stress-free. Easily plan your week by asking Alexa to create a to-do list and set reminders for important tasks. With Alexa Voice Shopping, you can easily order items such as paper towels or a new set of grilling tools for your weekend backyard barbecue.
6. Spend time with family and friends
While you may not physically be with friends and family, it's easy to stay in touch with the Echo Show. For extra face to face time, enable Drop-In and ask Alexa to connect you with your contacts directly.
7. Wind down for the day
When it's time to wind down, use the Fire TV Cube to watch your favorite shows or movies on streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. You can also set up a 'Good Night' Routine that uses your smart lights to automatically dim brightness to 50% and play relaxing music to quiet your mind.
These devices make it easier to stick to a routine this summer that works for both you and your family. Taking a few minutes to set up a Routine will save you time down the road - and make home life simpler and smarter. Discover everything Alexa and Amazon Devices can do for you at Amazon.com/devices.