Photos: 10 ways professionals can get more out of their voice assistants
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2. Set a music alarm
2. Set a music alarm
As of the beginning of February, users can set music alarms on both Google Home and Amazon Alexa. By connecting the device to a streaming service like Spotify, users can have a playlist start playing at a set time, potentially helping them wake up easier and get going faster.
SEE: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
3. Craft a morning routine
3. Craft a morning routine
A better night’s sleep can help boost productivity and energy during the workday, and a morning routine can help begin the day on the right foot. You can create an Alexa routine so the speaker performs multiple actions at a certain time each day, including slowly turning the lights on and reading the morning’s headlines–a great way to kickstart your productivity in the office.
SEE: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
4. Block out an hour
4. Block out an hour
IFTTT actions can help tie multiple devices and programs together so one voice command leads to a larger result than a normal skill. By telling Google Assistant “Ok Google, block some time,” you can block out an hour on your Google Calendar in order to focus on an important project.
SEE: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
5. Email yourself a to-do list
5. Email yourself a to-do list
Several professionals use voice assistants to set reminders or add tasks to their to-do list. In an Alexa IFTTT skill tied to Gmail, you can email yourself a full copy of your to-do list.
SEE: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
6. Start brewing coffee
6. Start brewing coffee
Use IFTTT to make sure your coffee is ready when you need it to be. This skill connects Alexa-based devices to any WeMo-enabled Mr. Coffee maker.
SEE: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
8. Check the news
8. Check the news
Multiple professionals said their device helps them stay up-to-date with current events and headlines. Several publications offer flash briefings so you can check your preferred news source.
SEE: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
9. Get the latest directions
9. Get the latest directions
Voice assistance in driving directions is not new, but several professionals utilize their devices to help them get to where they’re going. One noted that Google Assistant’s directions get updated faster than an in-car GPS system.
SEE: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
10. Simplify business travel
10. Simplify business travel
Business travel can get confusing, especially when someone has to juggle multiple trips or back-to-back flights. An Alexa for Business skill from SAP Concur could help the process, allowing professionals to ask for details about all aspects of their trips.
Also see
- Amazon adds voice control to Alexa app for Android (ZDNet)
- AI chatbots and voice assistants growing as tools for shopping, paying bills, banking (TechRepublic)
- Google Assistant: The smart person’s guide (TechRepublic)
- Amazon Alexa: The smart person’s guide (TechRepublic)
- Google AI vs Siri vs Bing: IQ tests show one is smartest by a mile (ZDNet)
