Alexa: what is it, what is it for and how to use it

Alexa is a virtual assistant developed by Amazon and launched in November 2014. It helps with day-to-day tasks, such as setting alarms, searching the internet and even controlling your connected home. In this special article of Technology Refugee, let's explain what Alexa is, what it's for and how to use it.

does Alexa work?

It is a software that interprets voice commands to carry out certain tasks. That is, just tell the device that it is being triggered and, from there, give the instructions. Its main function is to facilitate the use of other Amazon applications and services, oo Shopping, Prime Music music and Prime Video video.



What is Alexa for?

It can be useful for various day to day tasks. You can, for example, set an alarm, search the internet, control your smart home and even order products on Amazon. In addition, the assistant can also be used to play music, podcasts and audiobooks, as well as show news and weather information.

Read more:

  • or reset Alexa to factory settings
  • using Alexa on Windows
  • Alexa not working? See Connecting Echo Devices to Wi-Fi

or use Alexa?

To start using the digital assistant, you just need to have a device compatible with the software, the Echo Dot, from Amazon. The second step is to download the official app from the App Store or Google Play. Then just open the app and follow the instructions to link the device to your Amazon account.


Once the device is configured, just say “Alexa” to activate it and, from there, give the instructions. For example: “Alexa, search the internet for Italian restaurants” or “Alexa, play classical music”.


or configure

  1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone;
  2. Click the “Add Device” button;
  3. Select the “Amazon Echo” or other compatible device;
  4. Select your model;
  5. Plug your device into the outlet;
  6. Make sure the light turns orange;
  7. Configure your wifi network on the device;
  8. Ready! Your device is set up.
Alexa: what is it, what is it for and how to use it
Amazon's Echo Dot 2 is compatible with Alexa. Image: Zapp2Photo / Shutterstock

Main functions

the digital assistant, you can do different tasks by voice sounds. Some of the main functions are:

  • Set an alarm: “Alexa, wake me up at six in the morning”;
  • Search the internet: “Alexa, search the internet for Italian restaurants”;
  • Control your connected home: “Alexa, turn on the living room light”;
  • Order products on Amazon: “Alexa, order a pizza”;
  • Play music, podcasts and audiobooks: “Alexa, play classical music”;
  • Show news and weather information: “Alexa, what's the weather forecast for tomorrow?”.

What is the difference between the third and fourth generation devices?

Third-generation devices are the first to be launched on the market. Already the fourth generation, are the latest models available. The main difference between them is the design: while the third generation is more rounded, the fourth generation has a straighter design.



In addition, fourth-generation devices have a faster processor, which allows them to respond more accurately to requests. Another difference is the price: fourth-generation devices are a little more expensive than third-generation devices. However, the price difference may vary depending on the chosen model.

Featured Image: Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock

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