The fourth-generation Amazon Echo and the second-generation Echo Plus include a temperature sensor that not all users know about. And they should, because it can be very useful in combination with Alexa routines. Here's how to get the most out of your Echo and its built-in temperature sensor.
The Amazon Echo and Echo Plus temperature sensor
All or practically the majority of users are very clear about the main virtues of the different Amazon Echo that the company currently has in its smart speaker catalogs.
For example, Amazon Echo devices stand out for their Zigbee-compatible hub , which eliminates the need to buy third-party bridges to manage devices like smart bulbs, among many others. Similarly, Echo Plus devices are notable for their superior sound quality.
However, not all owners of a fourth-generation Amazon Echo or a second-generation Echo Plus know that both models also include a temperature sensor . And you might wonder what use this could possibly have when, for example, you can easily find out the temperature by consulting numerous weather apps available for Android or iOS mobile devices.
Well, this temperature sensor can be very practical in your day to day and even more so if you have a series of connected devices in your home. Because you will be able to create routines that are triggered depending on the temperature of your house. Thus, as if it were a thermostat, you could create an action that, when detecting that a certain temperature is exceeded, turns on the fan or simply gives you some kind of warning.
Because imagine that you leave the house and you don't realize that you have left the window open. Your pet could freeze if it is a cold day - or walk along the railing if he is a cat. So if you want to prevent this type of situation, it could be interesting to take advantage of this included temperature sensor.
How to use the temperature sensor on your Echo device
To start and reminder mode again. The only devices with a temperature sensor at present are the XNUMXth generation Echo and the XNUMXnd generation Echo Plus. If one of these two devices is the one you have, keep reading.
To obtain the temperature from the sensor included in your Echo or Echo Plus, you should do the following:
- Open the Alexa app on your mobile device
- Select the devices section
- Now choose an existing Smart Home device group
- Give the option to Edit
- To finish, select the temperature sensor and click Save
Done, you can now ask your Amazon Echo what the temperature of the group to which it belongs is and it will give it to you. For example, if the group is called Living Room and you ask it "Alexa, what is the temperature of Living Room" it will tell you.
Create routines based on the temperature sensor
Okay, knowing the temperature of the room where the Amazon Echo 4th Gen or Echo Plus 2nd Gen is located is nice, but it's not the best or most interesting thing to do. Routines are the most attractive way to exploit the full potential that this included sensor can offer.
To create a routine from the temperature sensor, simply do this:
- Again, open the Alexa app on your mobile device
- Give the More option
- Now access the Routines section
- Hit the + icon to create a new one
- Enter a name for the Routine
- Now, tap on When and then on the Smart Home icon
- There you will see your Echo, select it
- The next screen gives you the option to establish if you want the warning when the temperature is above or below the value that you can establish below
- When you adjust those parameters, hit save and add the action to execute
Done, how to see is very simple. Another option to do the same or to get to that option to create a new routine is the following:
- Open the Alexa app
- Go to the Devices option
- Select Echo and Alexa
- In the new list that you will see, look for the Echo 4th generation or Echo Plus 2nd generation
- Scroll down until you find the Temperature Sensor option and tap on it
- On the next screen you will see that the option to Go to Routines
Ideas to take advantage of the temperature sensor of the Amazon Echo
Okay, now it's a matter of thinking about ways to take advantage of these routines that are triggered by the ambient temperature . This will partly depend on the other connected devices you have at home, but we're going to give you some ideas:
Control the temperature for children and pets
Both your baby and your pets will not know how to tell you with a subject, verb and predicate that they are cold. But Alexa can. Using these tools that we have just explained, you can determine if the room where your baby, your cat or your dog is located has a very high or low temperature.
When that happens, you can receive a notification in the Alexa app. You can also trigger different automatic actions, as we will tell you below.
Start automatic air conditioning routines
If you have an Alexa-compatible heating or cooling system, but no smart thermostat, you can activate it based on temperature. You can also do this process with an infrared or radio frequency device. At the end of the post you have the link to the Broadlink RM4 Mini, which is a device that can be very useful to automatically turn on any fan or air conditioner when certain conditions are met.
Make a temperature warning with colored lights
Change the color of your smart RGB lights based on the temperature. If you have a colored LED bulb or strip, you can set it to change color to red when the temperature goes above certain degrees or blue when it gets too cold. In this way, you can anticipate your thermal sensation.
Take advantage of IFTTT recipes
If you don't really want to start creating routines, the IFTTT service surely has a recipe that works for you, but without having to invest more than a minute of your time.
Lower or raise the blinds automatically
Just like you can start an air conditioner or a fan, you can do the same if you have a motorized blind or motorized blind. Simply link the product to your Alexa and control the different actions you want to establish through routines. Lowering it automatically can be as simple as activating this function when the mercury drops below certain degrees.
You can do the same depending on the humidity or even the time.
These basic examples can be an initial starting point to be later combined with other actions, devices and routines. And if not, at least you know that you can always know what the temperature is at home thanks to your Echo.
What if I don't have a temperature sensor? The best thermometers to complement your Echo Dot
If you don't have an Echo Plus or Echo XNUMXth Gen, you may also benefit from this guide. Devices like the Echo Dot do not integrate their own temperature sensor, but it can be purchased separately and integrated very easily. The same is true if you want to control the temperature of more rooms where you don't have an Alexa device or have an Echo Dot. There are many possibilities to add these types of devices. Some are specific sensors and others are products that integrate the thermometer as an extra function. We are going to tell you a little about the most interesting options.
Govee Thermometer Hygrometer
This product monitors temperature and humidity levels . It records data every two seconds and has a six-month battery life using two AA batteries. Instead of mounting it on a wall, you can hang it from a coat rack using the included cord. It's quite affordable and, for now, is only compatible with Alexa. It has excellent reviews, and you can view the metrics in its mobile app.
See offer on AmazonAmazon Smart Air Quality Monitor
This product can assess the air quality you breathe at home, measuring humidity levels, particle count, and ventilation based on carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels . As an added feature, it can also measure the temperature . A major advantage of this product is its native compatibility with Alexa. It's a worthwhile purchase if you live with someone who suffers from respiratory issues like asthma or allergies. While not inexpensive, it can be bundled with a fourth-generation Echo Dot for around €10 more or with a second-generation Echo Show 5 for an additional €20.
See offer on AmazonBroadlink RM4 Mini
This product isn't a thermometer, but it serves the same purpose. The Broadlink RM4 mini is a universal remote control that lets you turn on any older device using voice commands or Alexa automations. With this device, you can turn on any air conditioner . But that's not all. The Broadlink has its own temperature and humidity sensor, which can be purchased separately . What can you use it for? To trigger an automated routine. You can program Alexa to turn your air conditioning on or off—via the Broadlink—based on the data it collects. Best of all, it's quite inexpensive , so don't hesitate to get one if you find it solves several problems in one fell swoop.
If you want to get the device and the cable with sensors directly, there is a pack in which they come together and it comes out for a much more interesting price than buying the device and the cable separately:
See offer on AmazonBroadLink RM4 Pro S
Its operation is very similar to the previous device. However, its main advantage over the RM4 Mini is that this model also supports radio frequency . Therefore, it allows you to completely replace all the remote controls you have at home and use a single device that will emulate them. This model uses the same app as its smaller sibling, which allows you to create a whole collection of virtual remotes on your mobile device. And, with the corresponding skill, you can convert these remotes into Alexa commands.
Since it comes with its own cable containing temperature and humidity sensors , you can create routines to turn on fans or air conditioners. Of course, if your air conditioner uses radio frequency instead of infrared, you'll need to get this model.
See offer on AmazonThe Amazon links in this article are part of our agreement with their Affiliate Program. They could report us a small commission for their sale (without this affecting the price you pay). Even so, the decision to publish and add them has been made freely and under editorial criteria, without attending to requests from the brands involved.