AI Voice Assistants: Beyond 'Hey Google'

Beyond "Set a Timer"

You probably use voice assistants for basic stuff: timers, weather, music. But they can do so much more. This lesson shows you how to unlock their real power.

What we'll cover:

• Complex commands that chain multiple actions
• Home automation without technical setup
• Shopping and list management
• Privacy and when to be careful

The Three Major Voice Assistants

Alexa (Amazon)

• Best for: Shopping, smart home, music
• Works with: Echo devices, Fire TV
• Strengths: Huge skill library, easy shopping

Google Assistant

• Best for: Information, search, Android integration
• Works with: Google Home, Nest, Android phones
• Strengths: Best at answering questions, calendar integration

Siri (Apple)

• Best for: iPhone/Mac users, privacy-focused
• Works with: iPhone, iPad, Mac, HomePod, Apple Watch
• Strengths: Strong privacy, Apple ecosystem integration

All three can do most things—choose based on what devices you already have.

Complex Commands: Chain Actions Together

Instead of one thing at a time, tell your assistant to do multiple things.

Instead of:

"Alexa, turn off the lights."
"Alexa, lock the door."
"Alexa, set the alarm for 7am."

Say this:

"Alexa, goodnight." (if you've set up a routine)

Or the long version:

"Alexa, turn off all the lights, lock the front door, and set my alarm for 7am."

Setting Up Routines (The Game-Changer)

Routines let you trigger multiple actions with one command.

Morning Routine Example:
Command: "Good morning"
Actions:

• Turn on bedroom lights to 50%
• Read today's calendar
• Play news briefing
• Turn on coffee maker (if smart)
• Set thermostat to 70°F

How to set up a routine (Alexa example):

1. Open Alexa app on your phone
2. Go to Menu → Routines → +
3. Choose "When this happens" → Voice → "Good morning"
4. Choose "Add action" → Add all the things above
5. Save

Google and Siri have similar features in their apps.

Practical Voice Commands You Should Know

Shopping & Lists

"Add milk to my shopping list"
"What's on my shopping list?"
"Create a new list called 'Home Depot'"
"Add 2x4 lumber to my Home Depot list"

Reminders with Context

"Remind me to take out the trash when I get home"
"Remind me to call Mom on Sunday at 3pm"
"Remind me to water the plants every Monday"

Information & Answers

"How do I get red wine out of carpet?"
"What's the capital of Ecuador, and what's the population?"
"Define 'ephemeral'"

Calculations & Conversions

"What's 18% tip on $47.50?"
"Convert 25 miles to kilometers"
"How many cups in 2 quarts?"

Timers & Alarms (Advanced)

"Set a pizza timer for 15 minutes" (named timers!)
"Wake me up at 7am on weekdays"
"What timers do I have running?"

Home Automation Without Being Technical

You don't need to be a tech genius. Start with smart bulbs or plugs.

Easiest smart home starter kit:

1. Buy 2-3 smart bulbs (Philips Hue, Wyze, or store brand)
2. Screw them into existing lamps
3. Connect them via your voice assistant app
4. Now you can: "Turn on living room lamp"

Smart plugs are even simpler:

• Plug any device into a smart plug
• Control it with voice
• Example: Turn any lamp into a smart lamp for $10-15

Common voice commands:

"Turn on bedroom lights"
"Dim living room to 30%"
"Turn off all lights in the house"
"Set bedroom lights to warm white"

Using Voice Assistants for Cooking

Your hands are busy? Voice assistants are perfect for cooking.

While cooking:

"Set a timer for 12 minutes"
"How many tablespoons in a quarter cup?"
"What's the internal temp for chicken?"
"Add butter to my shopping list"

Getting recipes:

"Find me a simple chicken stir-fry recipe"
"Walk me through making chocolate chip cookies"
"What can I make with chicken, rice, and broccoli?"

Making Phone Calls & Messages

Hands-free communication while driving or busy.

Calling:

"Call Mom"
"Call Mom on her mobile"
"Dial 555-1234"

Messaging (works best with iPhone/Android):

"Text Sarah: I'm running 10 minutes late"
"Read my messages"
"Reply: Sounds good, see you then"

Music & Entertainment

Go beyond "play music."

Specific requests:

"Play upbeat workout music"
"Play jazz from the 1950s"
"Play something to help me focus"
"Play rain sounds for 30 minutes"

Control playback:

"Skip this song"
"Volume 5" (scale of 1-10)
"What song is this?"
"Play this on my bedroom speaker"

Privacy: When to Mute and What's Recorded

What gets recorded:

• Only audio after you say the wake word ("Alexa", "Hey Google", "Hey Siri")
• Recordings are saved to improve accuracy
• You can delete recordings in your app settings

When to mute:

• Sensitive conversations
• When you're discussing personal info
• Whenever you want privacy (mute button on device)

Privacy settings to check:

• Review & delete voice history (do this monthly)
• Turn off "Use recordings to improve" (less accurate, more private)
• Don't put assistants in bedroom or bathroom if you're privacy-conscious

Voice Assistant Fails (And How to Fix Them)

"Sorry, I didn't understand that"

• Speak clearly and at normal pace
• Rephrase using simpler words
• Get closer to the device

Does the wrong thing

• Be more specific: "Turn on kitchen light" not "turn on light"
• Check if multiple devices have the same name
• Rename devices in your app for clarity

Doesn't hear you

• Move device away from TV or speakers
• Check microphone isn't muted (red light)
• Volume might be too low to confirm actions

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Create a routine
Set up a "bedtime" routine that:

• Turns off lights
• Locks doors (if you have smart locks)
• Sets an alarm
• Plays white noise

Exercise 2: Voice shopping
Add 5 items to your shopping list by voice only. No touching your phone.

Exercise 3: Smart home starter
If you don't have any smart devices, research smart bulbs or plugs that work with your assistant. Note: Start with 1-2, not a whole house.

Common Use Cases You'll Love

Morning:

• "What's my day look like?" (calendar)
• "What's the weather?" → "Should I bring an umbrella?"
• "Traffic to work"

During the day:

• "Remind me to take out the trash when I get home"
• "Add milk to shopping list"
• "Call Mom hands-free"

Evening:

• "Dim the lights to 30%"
• "Play nature sounds"
• "Goodnight" (triggers entire bedtime routine)