Amazon Alexa is the companion app for users who own an Alexa device. The app is used to setup the Alexa, control the device remotely, and use the enhanced features.

The Alexa app is easy to use and navigate. From the app users can customize their Alexa settings for their in-home device. This includes preferences such as weather, traffic, and sports updates. From the app users can play their music playlists, and see other information such as the weather. The app also gives the user some things to try with their Alexa, such as asking her, “Alexa, create a vacation packing list.” The app can also be used to set reminders, alarms, timers, and lists. Users can also view a history of what they have said to their Alexa device.

Another feature of the Alexa app is the ability to drop-in on other Alexa users. This allows users to communicate with other Alexa users, via the device. This is a nice feature for anyone who wants to communicate with their friends and loved ones using hands free technology. Alexa can also be synced with any smart features in the home such as lights and other devices. The app allows users to create a routine so that Alexa does the same thing at the same time every day. There is a skills section and a things to try section which allows users to see other things that Alexa can do as well.

This is an excellent app for users with low vision or blind.

Amazon Echo offers loads of useful functions. For example:

News: “Alexa, give me the news” - and the news and sports summary you'll hear is updated every hour
Facts: “Alexa, how tall is the Queen?” or “Alexa, tell me a random fact”
Jokes: “Alexa, tell me a joke” and “Alexa, tell me another one”
Timers and alarms: “Alexa, set a timer for three minutes” or “Alexa, wake me up tomorrow at 7am”
Radio: “Alexa, play Radio 4 Extra on TuneIn” or “Alexa, play The Prairie Home Companion station on TuneIn”
Podcasts: “Alexa, play This Week in Tech on TuneIn” or “Alexa, play 99 per cent Invisible on TuneIn”
Books: “Alexa, play Ready Player One on Audible” or “Alexa, play my book" to resume listening.

Alexa is also great for families and students who may be transitioning from high school to college or the work force. The app allows users to control their Alexa device, which can be done by voice commands. We believe this app would be beneficial for users who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder.

Alexa now includes new information that can help save someone’s life. You can ask about the warning signs of a Heart Attack or Stroke by saying:
Alexa ask American Heart
- What are the warning signs of a Heart Attack?
- I think I am having a Heart Attack
- How can I tell if I am having a Heart Attack?
- What are the warning signs of a Stroke?
- I think I am having a Stroke
- How can I tell if I am having a Stroke?

NOTE:
This skill is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional CPR training, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. If you think you have a medical emergency, please dial 911. Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. But bystanders trained in CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival during out-of-hospital CPR.

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How Alexa Benefits Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
App Reviewer Christopher Wright

Amazon Alexa and other voice assistant technologies offer benefits for everyone. However, they can be invaluable tools for those who are disabled. Many might say people are "just being lazy". However, these people either have not used this technology extensively and/or do not realize the true value it can bring to daily life.

The first, and most obvious benefit is the voice input/output model for obtaining information. You speak your command, and receive immediate verbal confirmation. For someone who is blind, this is incredible! Using the power of voice, it is possible to check the weather, manage your calendar, set reminders, get definitions of words and/or learn how they are spelled, set alarms and timers, read information from Wikipedia, etc. Alexa's capabilities are always increasing, so this is an incredible technology. The future of computing may be driven by voice if advances and innovations in this space continue.

The other major advantage of this technology lies in the Smart Home market. If your house is equipped with Smart Home gadgets, you can use Alexa as a central hub to control everything. For example, you can do things like turn lights on or off which is especially useful for a totally blind person who may not know if the lights have been left on. Considering how cheap Echo Dots are, it is feasible that someone would put one in every single room of the house. This means no matter where you roam, you have access to lights, the thermostat, kitchen appliances like the stove or oven, etc. Smart Home tech has the potential to make many appliances that were previously very difficult or impossible to use for a blind person extremely easy and enjoyable to use.

The above is what is currently available today. There is no telling what might come about in the next 5 to 10 years, but one thing is certain. We are living in exciting times, and anything is possible. Stay tuned to this space for more exciting innovations!

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