How to add and edit favourite devices in the Alexa app
Amazon has finally added a feature to the Alexa that many people have long wanted: favourite devices.
There’s still a way to go before the app is as good as, say, Apple’s Home app or theLIFXapp but at least you now have quick access to switch plugs on and off when you don’t want to talk to Alexa.
The new feature, which has been rolling out over the past week, is designed exactly like the widgets you see in iOS and in the Home app. You should see a pop-up notification announcing it, and if you then go to the Devices tab you’ll see six devices (if you have that many) which can be turned on and off, or adjusted in some way, directly from that screen.
It’s a shame Amazon hasn’t put this on the Home screen, or added the option to choose which tab is displayed first when you open the Alexa app, but it’s better than nothing.
Also note that you can only pick individual devices, not groups. Hopefully Amazon will add this option along with a search function, because for people like me with dozens of smart lights, plugs and Echos, it can be hard to find what you want by scrolling through a long list.
Admittedly, though, that’s not a problem for most people.
A seemingly random selection of six devices is chosen so if you want to pick different ones, here’s what to do.
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Author: Jim Martin, Executive Editor, Tech Advisor
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
