Macular Degeneration Aids using Voice Activation

Simplify your life with macular degeneration aids that use voice commands or voice activation like this Amazon Echo. 

This low vision technology device is a cloud based voice service that is always getting smarter and adding new skills.  It can be used by itself or if you want better sound connect it to a Bluetooth enabled speaker or to an audio cable.  

What can Alexa do?

Play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, check sport scores, and control smart home devices. 

Want to know what time it is, check your local weather or just listen to your favorite tunes?  One device can do it all.  There is no need for checking large number clocks, searching on line for your local weather, or writing down a reminder to get eggs when you can simply ask Alexa, "Alexa, what time is it?" or "Alexa, what's the weather forecast for today?" or "Alexa, add eggs to my shopping list."

Echo Dot

Amazon has a technology that benefits those with macular degeneration or those with other low vision problems.  With a simple voice command you can:

Check the Weather

Play Music from Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio or Spotify

Set Your Alarm

Set a Timer

Ask a Question

Manage Your Calendar

Keep a To Do List

Set a Reminder for an appointment, a birthday or to call a friend

Create a Shopping List

Place an Order on Amazon

Get a News Update

Listen to audio books or Ted Talks

Request a ride from Uber

Connect to Smart Home devices such as lights, thermostat, garage door and sprinklers

As you can see in the above picture the top of the device is lit up which means Alexa is awake.  To activate, you simply use the word, "Alexa" and then follow with your question or command.

The Echo Dot is small - about 3 1/4" circle.  It comes in black or white.  You do need WiFi service for it to work. 

Echo Dot in Your Kitchen

In your kitchen ask Alexa to

set a timer

play your favorite music,

make a shopping list

order paper towel

ask how many tablespoons are in a 1/4 cup

Echo Dot in Your Bedroom

You can use the Echo Dot in many different rooms.    In your bedroom you can ask Alexa:

to set an alarm,

ask for the time or

to play sleep promoting sounds or music

to read your Audible book as you drift off to sleep.

Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa

Echo Dot in the Bathroom

While you are getting ready for the day you can ask Alexa

What is the temperature

What is the weather today

What are the news headlines

Add toothpaste to your shopping list

Create a to do list

What are the SEC football scores?

Echo Smart Speaker

The Echo Smart Speaker features upgraded speakers that provide 360 degree sound. The built in smart home hub helps you set up your smart home devices so with simple commands it will turn on a light, change your temperature settings or start your coffee machine.  

The Ehco Smart Speaker has better audio for listening to your favorite music or audio books.

Download the Amazon Alexa App

At this time the Alexa app is available for download from U.S. app stores.  It is available on these devices:

Fire OS 3.0 or higher

Android 4.4 or higher

iOS 8.0 or higher

You can also go to https://alexa.amazon.com on your Wi-Fi to enable your computer to manage your setting and skills. 

Shopping with Amazon Alexa

You will want to be a Prime Member in order to take advantage of free shipping on most items.  Once you set up an account with your home address and credit card you can have items delivered to your door quickly and so simply.

How to Find a Deal

I was in need of some batteries, so I asked Alexa if there were any deals on batteries today and there was.  So you can shop simply and save money.

Echo Dot and Smart Plug

Macular Degeneration Aids Using Voice Commands

Combine the Echo dot with a smart plug for using your voice to turn on or turn off your electric device or lamp.  

Go to Amazon here and check out all the ways this low vision aid can simplify your life:

Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa

Use your Echo with your lamps for easy one and off voice commands by adding two Smart Switches.

Smart Plug 2 Pack Wi-Fi Enabled Mini Smart Switch Compatible with Alexa, No Hub Required, Remote

When connected to your smart home she can control your thermostat, turn on your sprinklers and open your favorite TV show. Call or message anyone who has an Echo device or the Alexa App.  You can also connect to other rooms in your home using your voice. 

Alexa is always getting smarter, with new skills and new updates constantly being added. Some of the skills you can take advantage of with an Amazon Echo are Amazon Music, Tunein, demo, ecobee, Samsung SmartThings, Allrecipes.com, CapitalOne, pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Friends of Hue, Audible and Expedia. 

Return to Low Vision Technology for Macular Degeneration

Go from Macular Degeneration Aids to WebRN Macular Degeneration Home