The Amazon Echo is a hands-free speaker which you control with your voice. The echo has a plethora of “skills” that you can add to the device which enable it to perform a range of different tasks. Over the last few months, healthcare & fitness skills have become increasingly popular on Amazon Echo and other Alexa enabled devices. So we’ve put together a quick list of our top 5 favourite skills that are available for free on Alexa.
1. TP-LINK
If you’re thinking about turning your home into a smart home, TP-Link is the perfect option to get started. With an easy to use mobile app which integrates directly with Alexa and affordable accessories, it’s never been easier to control your lights, TV and household appliances remotely. What makes this skill even better is the fact you can group your household appliances together.
TP-Link Commands
Alexa, Turn off the living room lights
Alexa, Turn off the TV
Alexa, Turn on the radio
2. Virtual nurse
Another great Alexa skill is Virtual Nurse which provides detailed information about medications, illnesses and first aid using information sourced directly from NHS Choices. In addition to this, Virtual Nurse can provide you with the emergency number in any given country.
Virtual Nurse Commands
Alexa, ask Virtual Nurse for information about Aspirin
Alexa, ask Virtual Nurse about a broken bone
Alexa, ask Virtual Nurse for the emergency number in France
3. trackr
If you’re constantly losing your mobile phone or tablet around the house, then you’ll love the TrackR Alexa skill which allows you to locate your devices through Alexa. Although this is a relatively simple skill, it can save you huge amounts of time trying to hunt down your devices.
TrackR Commands
Alexa, ask TrackR to find my phone
Alexa, ask TrackR to unpair my phone
Alexa, ask TrackR for my pin
4. DVLA VEHICLE ENQUIRY
With so many users now using Alexa on a daily basis, larger and larger government organisations are launching skills to help communicate with the public. And the DVLA are no exception with their new and popular vehicle enquiry skill which allows users to check the Tax & Mot status of any vehicle through voice command.
DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Commands
Alexa, open Vehicle Enquiry
Alexa, ask Vehicle Enquiry to check alpha lima zero seven echo x-ray alpha
Alexa, ask Vehicle Enquiry to check a. l. zero seven e. x. a.
5. FITBIT
If you find it difficult to keep track of your health and fitness goals using just the Fitbit app, then try the Fitbit skill which provides you with health stats and updates directly through Alexa.
Fitbit Commands
Alexa, ask Fitbit how I slept last night
Alexa, ask Fitbit how I’m doing today
Alexa, ask Fitbit how many steps I’ve taken today