The Amazon Echo smart speakers are breakthrough devices that have ushered in the next generation of smart home technology, but sometimes users simply need the most basic of functions.
For Amazon Echo owners who have been hoping to make their Alexa-powered smart speakers function as traditional radio alarm clocks, here's some good news.
The Amazon Echo Can Now Play Music For Alarms
An update to Alexa's capabilities has now made it possible for Amazon Echo smart speakers to function like the radio alarm clocks of the past. Users can now wake up to their favorite music or to the breaking news of the day.
The music that Alexa will play may come from various streaming services, including Amazon's own Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited. Other streaming services supported by the Amazon Echo can also be chosen, including Spotify, Pandora, Sirius XM, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio.
While this might look like a minor feature, it is an important one for users who are still trying to bridge the gap between the devices of the past and modern technology. In addition, it pushes the cute and circular Amazon Echo Spot, which will be launched on Dec. 19, as the alarm clock of the future.
How To Set Up Alexa For Music Alarms
Setting up music or news alarms with Alexa is simple, as with any other thing involving Amazon's digital assistant.
Users can ask Alexa to wake them up at the time that they prefer with a song. For example, a user can say "Alexa, set an alarm for 7:00 a.m. and play 'Shape of You' by Ed Sheeran." Users can also choose a news channel in a streaming service, a specific album, a genre, or a certain playlist.
The music alarm can also be set up as a recurring one by adding terms such as "every weekday" to the voice command.
In addition, Amazon Music subscribers can choose the song that the music alarm will play through lyrics or by choosing a mood.
Lastly, Amazon noted that the feature will work in any Alexa-powered device, and not just on the Amazon Echo. Only the Fire TV will not work as a music alarm clock, probably because nobody leaves the TV on the entire night every night.
Did You Grab An Amazon Echo?
The Amazon Echo line of smart speakers was heavily featured during Amazon's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. This means that there are surely now even more households and rooms with an Amazon Echo.
Not every Amazon Echo in every room of the house will need the music alarm clock feature, but it will be a useful for people who need it.
