Alexa in a group space

February 7, 2024 12:57 AM

I've gotten my hands on an Alexa Dot 3rd gen, and want to use it my multi-user workshop. Apart from a general interest in hearing how to get the most out of it in this environment, I have two specific questions.

The specific questions are:

- can I give shortcut commands, like "play foo" where "foo" is a specific Spotify playlist.

- can I somehow give precedence to certain types of information, for example, I would love if our FAQ could be a priority source, so "how do I update my key" or "where do we keep the conductive thread".

I am also interested in hearing your experiences and best practices for using in a semi-public space, things I should lock down, how it works with safety, etc.

posted by Iteki to Computers & Internet (5 answers total)

can I give shortcut commands, like "play foo" where "foo" is a specific Spotify playlist

Essentially yes, because you can put any command or series of Alexa commands, into a 'routine' which is triggered by a phrase you pick. Probably better to pick something other than play, so it doesn't conflict with the existing Spotify commands.
For example, I have a command "more light in this room" and the routine individually turns on all the lights and fairy lights, and makes them white and 100% brightness.
"Warm my room" turns the heaters on for 15 minutes then turns them off.
"I'm awake now" turns lights on, starts my jug, and puts a Spotify playlist on.

I don't know if your second question is possible.
posted by Elysum at 1:17 AM on February 7, 2024

Here's a roundup of Alexa commands (maybe not current): Alexa commands

Regarding your second question, as far as I know, any question you ask Alexa can only be answered if Alexa can find the answer on some public source. So maybe if you create an accessible database with information about where you store things in your office, a detailed question to Alexa referencing that database might work. Never heard of anything like that, though. Let us know what happens.
posted by JimN2TAW at 9:33 AM on February 7, 2024

Regarding using it in a public space, I believe your friends would be able to program it to start playing "Baby Shark" in the middle of an important meeting. I did something similar to my nephew (but there was no important meeting.) I've never heard a way of preventing that. Again, let us know if you find a way.
posted by JimN2TAW at 9:37 AM on February 7, 2024

Please make sure that everyone who uses this space feels at ease with such a device listening in. Some of us aren't. I sure as hell wouldn't be.
posted by Too-Ticky at 9:48 AM on February 7, 2024 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: I kinda answered my own question, there is a "skill" or blueprint or w/e you can download that lets you have custom questions and answers.

The issue of it being an Alexa and listening is very valid and about to scupper the whole idea. Unless anyone knows a way to stop Alexa doing anything outside her skills?
posted by Iteki at 1:19 PM on February 8, 2024