Due to the increasing need to make life easier for all humanity, technological advancement is constantly updating to meet these needs.
With the help of many virtual assistants like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa, you can control your devices without leaving your bed.
But you can’t tell for sure the extent to which this software can work. This article gives comprehensive details on what Alexa can do.
With Alexa, you can change the Xfinity channel and other features on your Xfinity box. Once you’ve set up an Xfinity Skill on your device, you can command Alexa with a simple voice command like “Alexa! Please change the channel to..,” and Alexa will execute the Command. Using Alexa to control your devices is simple and stress-free.
How Do I Control My Xfinity Channel With Alexa?
Have you thought about how you can use9 to change your Xfinity Channel? It is normal!
Wondering how to use Alexa is normal and common because only some people are familiar with using virtual assistants.
People have grown to do things for themselves and by themselves. But technology has provided alternatives for doing many things, especially controlling devices.
Fortunately, this article provides a comprehensive guide on how to use Alexa to change channels. Even though Alexa has a voice recognition configuration, you must set it up before you command it.
Setting up Alexa lets it control your Xfinity box and change the channels. Set Alexa up with the following steps;
- Open the “Alexa App” and log in to the Home account of your Xfinity box.
- Enable Xfinity X1
- Enter the activation code, and it is ready to assist you.
Before you proceed with using Alexa to control your Xfinity Channel, there are some factors you need to consider.
These factors are vital things that can affect the working of Alexa on your device.
#1. Compatibility
Before you move to voice control, check if the device you want to control is compatible with Alexa. If your device is incompatible, check if you have paired it with Alexa.
A simple setup on the App can fix the compatibility issue. If you cannot pair the device with Alexa, the issue might be the device’s software.
#2. Features To Control
Alexa is a virtual assistant separate from your device; therefore, it has limited control over its features.
You have to know what you plan to control to decide if you want to use Alexa or not. Alexa can only control a few features like;
#1. Changing Channels
Changing the Xfinity Channel is one of the simplest things Alexa can do. With just your voice, you control the Xfinity channel through Alexa.
#2. Volumes
Changing volumes on your device is easy with Alexa. You don’t need to reach for a remote or touch your speaker to adjust the volume.
#3. Device Settings
Once you’ve set up Alexa’s Xfinity Skill, you can control fundamental features like sound, security, and lighting. Again, this is possible with the Alexa App installed on your phone.
#4. Xfinity Skill
The Alexa Xfinity X1 Skill is what gives you the power to control your device using your voice.
Once you’re conversant with these factors, it’ll be easier for you to use Alexa to assist in controlling your devices.
There’s more than one way to control your Xfinity box with Alexa, and you can do that using some commands.
These commands are inbuilt into Alexa for easy recognition, and once you say it, Alexa will execute.
#5. Some Commands Alexa Recognizes
Alexa, turn on Xfinity. You can use this Command to switch on your Xfinity box. Alexa, change the input. For example, you can use this Command to change the information on your TV.
Alexa, Watch(network); you can use this Command to change to the channel you prefer. One thing that makes Alexa very useful and needed is its versatility.
Apart from the above commands, there are other commands that Alexa recognizes, and you can use to change the channels.
It doesn’t work with the Xfinity box alone but with other devices. Its sophisticated interconnected nature permits it to work with equally sophisticated devices paired with it.
Can Alexa Control My Cable Box?
Alexa is a versatile software that can connect to many home devices, including cable boxes. For you to enjoy the effectiveness of Alexa, you have to ensure that you play your part.
Playing your part means ensuring that you’ve set it up well and you’re at a reasonable distance from the device.
Since Alexa uses voice recognition to control devices, you must ensure you’re audible and ear enough when speaking.
First, turn down the volume of your sound system and stay at a distance from the device.
It will be easier for Alexa to recognize your voice, interpret the Command and then send signals to control the device you want.
You don’t need a particular device to use Alexa makes it even more desirable.
With your portal Amazon speaker and the Alexa App on your phone, you can control many of your home devices without lifting a finger.
So long as it remains paired with the devices and you have set up the Xfinity Skill, you can use Alexa to make your life easier.
What Devices Are Compatible With Alexa?
Alexa is compatible with many systems around the home and offices. You can control lighting systems, sound systems, smart locks, thermostats, and TVs.
However, every year comes further updates on devices available on the market.
Below are some of the many devices Alexa is compatible with within 2022.
- Amazon Fire TV Cube
- Philips Hue White LED Starter Kit
- Lifx Mini
- Wemo WiFi Smart Plug
- August WiFi Smart Lock
- Ecobee 5th Generation Thermostat
- LG C1 OLED TV
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Simplisafe Essential
It is not just enough to know that Alexa is compatible with many smart devices on the market.
You also must know the compatible devices that can serve you because only some Alexa-compatible devices can help you.
To know which compatible devices that are best for you, you have to consider the following;
#1. Design
The design of a product is beyond aesthetics and can affect its functionality. For instance, a smart plug must be small enough to fit nicely into a socket without blocking other outlets.
This way, you can better enjoy using the smart plug with Alexa.
#2. Functionality
The functionality of a device is what makes it valuable. The type of features, how versatile it is, and if it has a Home/Away feature.
Since Alexa helps you to maintain your routine with schedule plans, can you schedule the device to function at a particular time?
These are the questions regarding the functionality of a device that you need to ask before purchasing it.
#3. Price
Inflation is high, and many people try as much as possible to reduce their budget.
However, when it comes to the best devices to use with Alexa, there are better options than cheap devices.
While some of these cheap devices may claim to perform the same way as expensive devices, it is often different.
Before purchasing a device, please get to know the fake from the original and buy them no matter the price.
That is if you can afford to anyway because, to enjoy Alexa, you will need the device around for some time.
You may already have some smart devices at home that you intend to use with Alexa. To test how good they are, here are some tests you can carry out on the devices.
#4. Setup Test
A device with an easy setup procedure is a suitable device. In 2022 when many software developers are working around the clock to make many devices user-friendly, a complicated setup is a red flag.
#5. Features
The features of the device you have or are about to purchase. How useful can it be for you?
If you’re going to be spending a lot of money to purchase a compatible device, it should be able to serve you well.
#6. Performance
There are many “what I ordered Vs. what I got ” stories on the internet. You have to be sure that the device’s performance in reality tallies with what the company advertised.
#7. Price
There is competition in every sector, including home devices. With similar products available, compare the device’s price to other similar ones.
And how much it offers. Some expensive devices could be more helpful.
Which Smart TV Remote App Works With Alexa?
Far from being just a speaker, Alexa has inbuilt skills that allow you to control different systems around the house, including your TV.
Some of the popular intelligent TV remotes that work perfectly with Alexa are;
#1. Fire TV Cube
Amazon’s Fire TV Cube is a middleman between Alexa and your TV. It is an intelligent remote with an IR sensor.
Fire TV Cube doesn’t require any physical remote. It is the only Alexa-compatible device that doesn’t require an IR blaster. With just your voice, you can trim on and off your TV.
#2. Echo Dot
Alexa is compatible with all Echo products despite having no IR sensors. To use the Echo Dot, you need an IR blaster, which acts as an intermediate between Alexa and Echo Dot.
#1. Fire TV Stick
It is also an intelligent remote you can use to control your TV through Alexa. It also doesn’t have an IR sensor, but you can use it ideally with an IR blaster.
#2. Smart Home Hub
A smart home hub isn’t an intelligent remote per se; instead, it is an IR plug or blaster that allows you to use Echo, Echo Dot, and Fire TV Stick with Alexa.
For Alexa to work with these remotes, you need IR sensors to send the signals to the TV.
However, only some remotes have IR sensors, so they require the smart home hub as a plug to transmit the signals.
Just like Apple’s Siri, Alexa has special devices it works with. Even though they have the same purpose, they have their differences.
| Siri | Alexa |
|---|---|
| It is an Apple product | It is an Amazon product |
| Works mostly with Apple products | Works with Android |
| It can work with none Apple products | It cannot work with complex Apple products |
Conclusion
Alexa, just like Siri, is a virtual assistant with over 70,000 inbuilt skills to assist with your daily routine.
Once you’ve set it up and paired it with compatible devices, you can set your goals and have Alexa help you execute them.