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Short Tutorial/FAQ
Short Tutorial/FAQ
Question: I’ve been hearing so much about smart speakers that I’ve started to think about getting one for myself. But I’m not sure how I would actually use it. What are the most popular uses of these devices?
Answer: Smart speakers, like Alexa-enabled Echo products or Google Home products, can perform a wide variety of functions. Here are just a few:

- Play music. You can tell your smart speaker to play your favorite radio station. It can also play music from apps (called “skills”) like Pandora.
- Tell you the weather forecast or news updates. Just ask your speaker to tell you the weather forecast or news headlines, and it will do exactly that.
- Set timers. You can use the smart speaker like a kitchen timer — just ask it to set a timer for the amount of time you need.
- Perform voice searches. This action is similar to doing a Google search on your computer, only you use your voice and get a voice response back.
- Play games. Some of the skills include fun games like Jeopardy! or Twenty Questions.
- Operate your smart home. Connect smart appliances, light bulbs, thermostats, and other items in your home to your smart device, then use your voice to command them.
- Make phone calls. There are several ways you can make phone calls with your smart device, including linking it with your Skype account.
Sites of the Month
Sites of the Month
![]() weedalert.com – Some weeds are just bothersome, while others are dangerous. This site can help you tell the difference. Search for weeds by name, appearance, or region. Or contact a tech advisor; these experts have over 50 years of combined experience and will give you reliable answers. |
![]() roadtrippers.com – This site will help you make the most of your road trip — no matter where or when you’re going. Just enter your starting and ending locations. Then explore places to stay or camp, sights, restaurants, and recreation opportunities along the way. Save your trip, share with friends, and enjoy your journey. |
![]() hgtv.com – Visit this site to see photos and videos of the HGTV Smart Home 2019. Like what you see? Vote for your favorite area and select the Shop tab to buy items displayed in the house. You can also sign up for email reminders to enter the HGTV Smart Home 2019 sweepstakes. |
![]() barbecuebible.com – The recipes on this site will make you the star of this year’s BBQ season. Try Steakhouse Potatoes, Grilled Pizza, Barbecued Brussels Sprouts, or Chicken Souvlaki. Looking for something specific? Search the site by food category. You can also browse the Techniques section for tips and tricks for better barbecuing. |
Go Pinterest-ing!
Go Pinterest-ing!
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Spicy Shrimp Sushi |
Perfect For Spring |
Bouquets |
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You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started? If so, click here. |
Stay Alert
Stay Alert

- Pretending to be a Medicare representative and asking for confirmation of your personal information, bank details, or Medicare number before “they” can send your new card.
- Saying you’ll be charged a fee if you don’t provide certain information.
- Offering you free equipment or services in exchange for your Medicare information.
- Informing you of new policies or updates about Medicare, then asking for personal data.
Medicare will never ask for your personal information over the phone, so don’t give this information to anyone who calls asking for it, even if they’re offering you something in return. Instead, hang up, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE yourself, and report the scam. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Additionally, learn the truth about Medicare’s card replacement initiative.
With a healthy dose of skepticism, you won’t be fooled by Medicare scammers.