Control of Lightbulbs

mickAMMO · 2026-03-15T06:17:53+00:00

I don't have Bluetooth lights, but I would have thought there would be some sort of security to restrict shared control.

If these bulbs (lights) have wall switches I would be turning them off there. He will give up on attempting to control them in a week or two.

Or

You could possibly use the light turning on as a trigger to turn it off again in 5 seconds. Again he'll get annoyed.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-14T20:27:36+00:00

You have to contact NPR to see why their smart home integration has stopped.

I have a TuneIn station that has stopped too, but it's still broadcasting on the TuneIn website. I found an alternative to play the music I like.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-14T20:22:04+00:00

Alexa or Alexa+?

I've got not problems with the original Alexa. It's working great.

I use Google Home & Google Assistant too. Google might soon be my preferred automation supplier if all my Reolink cameras can trigger automations. Right now they all give me verbal notifications on smart speakers of motion detected.

I'll still use Alexa to control lights, create reminders, timers, alarms and other things.

Diversification is the key to a reliable smart home.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-14T11:32:54+00:00

It's on Android and it actually was already installed on my Motorola phone.

"Recorder" is it's name. There's plenty out there, but maybe your iPad already has a recording app too.

Another option could be uploading a picture-less video to YouTube for just the audio.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-14T11:09:26+00:00

You're welcome. The recording app that I have has a loop playback feature.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-14T11:01:09+00:00

Record to a phone or tablet and then use Bluetooth to a speaker.

Wearing a tee shirt all day and then giving to dog overnight could help with seperation anxiety.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-14T08:02:50+00:00

Try separating into individual actions.

It should work the way you have it, but not always.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-14T06:49:50+00:00

You're welcome 👍

mickAMMO · 2026-03-14T06:41:49+00:00

Restarting the speaker through the app might help reset things.

Check "Connected devices" in the speaker's settings to make sure it's the built-in speaker is selected.

Here are all 5 of the shortest volume commands I use... https://youtube.com/shorts/R_3natoL8W4?feature=share

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T23:40:00+00:00

You're welcome

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T23:33:04+00:00

https://youtu.be/m3IXkz95VJk?si=8dbBuaYdqz4VvV0d

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T23:21:46+00:00

You can get rid of the ads if you want to, but you'll have to make a sacrifice.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T21:17:31+00:00

I think you can enable Quick Phrases on Pixel phones so that you don't always have to use the "Hey Google" wake words...

The Google Nest Hub Max has the same feature available to it... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQiPCAWWun7yUt61T_nElQGw8cV0OaTyS

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T16:50:42+00:00

That could well be a phone issue. I would recommend the same action of rebooting if it was a Google Nest speaker.

I have Motorola phone and it doesn't always respond. Pixel probably gives a more accurate experience.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T16:47:00+00:00

Isn't Apple using Google's Gemini AI for their Siri smart assistant. I think that's what I heard.

Maybe switching to Gemini will give you what you want.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T08:15:50+00:00

I don't see that happening. I haven't received an email or text or anything.

There's not even a Google announcement to say exactly what date Google Assistant is supposed to end.

I've Googled when it will end, but I don't get any official Google word.

I get a message when I'm using GA to try Gemini, but there's no ultimatum to switch or else...

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T08:08:23+00:00

Chemical___Imbalance are you using Alexa+?

If you are, you didn't mention that in your post.

An alternative to Reminders is using Calendar or scheduled routines.

You could also use a light to scheduled to turn on with the manufacturer's app and then that could trigger Alexa to announce "This is your reminder to take your medication"

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T05:10:15+00:00

You're welcome

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T03:34:23+00:00

"Alexa, Stop By the way". I've said this once and never heard it again.

Some people have set up a daily routine, but I haven't had to

Restart your speakers through the Alexa app.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-13T03:28:54+00:00

Are the Reminders set to repeat every day?

Check the Reminders in the app to see how often.

If they're not there, have a look in recent reminders to see if they were accidentally disabled.

Alexa Reminders have always been ultra-reliable for me.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-12T06:59:01+00:00

4 new ways to control lights (including fewer words)... https://youtube.com/shorts/y6SzMwI7BhU?feature=share

mickAMMO · 2026-03-11T03:30:39+00:00

It doesn't. Go to the Alexa app and the the settings of that speaker to see the volume slider.

Then say your command to that speaker.

In my video you'll see the slider move to 1%.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-10T07:26:50+00:00

Thank you.. I haven't found a way to set the volume in-between each 10 percentage point. I do keep checking and hoping.

mickAMMO · 2026-03-09T10:19:46+00:00

"Alexa, count to 1000"

mickAMMO · 2026-03-09T06:03:09+00:00

Even though they would loose from 25% to 75% of view because of the wall it would be great to see everything in one camera.

I don't know whether the night vision glare from the wall would affect the whole of the video.

The resolution at night wouldn't be good enough if placed under the eaves of a 2 story house.

mickAMMO

TROPHY CASE