The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.Last year I went from an Amazon Echo skepticto a dailyuser.It's convenient to get information using only my voice, especially when my hands are full.Over the past year the Echo has become more useful thanks to regular software updates and its integration with different smart home accessories.Below are the sixways I use my Echo on a regular, and sometimesdaily, basis.You can buy the Amazon Echo for $179.99 here.DON'T MISS:Amazon's store brand makes a lot of great tech, but these are the 10 gadgets actually worth buyingSEE ALSO:20 must-have tech accessories under $20To adjust my lightsOne of the first things that drew me to the Echo was its integration with smart home accessories, and Philips' Hue bulbs in particular.I only have overhead lightning in my apartment, and it's incredibly convenient to be able to say, "Alexa, turn off my bedroom lights" when it's time for bed.If you're new to Hue, you'll need to pick up one of their starter kits, which include three bulbs and a Hue hub. Once you have a hub, you can add up to 50 lights.Buy the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kiton Amazon for $199.99Buy the Amazon Echo on Amazon for $179.99To get the weatherI could look outside or check my Apple Watch, but as I'm getting dressed in the morning I've gotten into the routine of asking my Echo about the weather.You can ask about the day's weather in general, or ask more specific questions like, "Is it going to rain today'"I also ask myEcho about the weather before I travel, so I have a good idea of what to expect when I reach my destination.Buy the Amazon Echo on Amazon for $179.99To set timers and convert measurements when cookingI've been cooking a lot more this year, and the Echo has helped me keep on top of everything.Sometimes I need to know how many tablespoons are in a cup (16, by the way) halfway through a recipe. Asking the Echo saves me from having to stop what I'm doing to pull out my phone; time is usually of the essence while cooking and a lost minute can have a big impact on a dish.Other times I need to boil something for 11 minutes while I work on another part the meal I'm preparing. I just ask Alexa to set a timer and wait to hear the alarm go off. I'm even able to ask how much time is left, which is convenient if I'm working on meal thatneeds to come together perfectly.Buy the Amazon Echo on Amazon for $179.99See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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