Alexa Communication is a great way to keep family members connected through features such as Calling, Messaging, Drop In, and Announcements. ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control comes equipped with these features, along with many other Alexa services, to make your home even smarter.
Calling
Call most landlines and mobile numbers in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico free of charge. Before getting started, sync your contacts in the Alexa app.
This feature also includes receiving incoming calls from other Alexa-enabled devices. When a call is coming in, your SmartThermostat with voice control will announce it by ringing and lighting up green.
You can pick up or make calls with voice commands.
Just say:
“Alexa, call Mom."
“Alexa, answer."
“Alexa, hang up."
Messaging
Send a voice message to another Alexa Communication user through your SmartThermostat with voice control by saying "Alexa, send a message". Contacts with an Alexa-enabled device will receive it through their device, while contacts without a device can receive your message through the Alexa app.
Notifications for incoming messages come with a chime and a yellow light bar on your ecobee thermostat. Message notifications can also be seen on your Alexa app.
Just say:
“Alexa, message Dad.”
“Alexa, play my messages.”
Drop In
This feature is comparable to a two-way intercom—great for asking questions and for having quick conversations using your SmartThermostat with voice control and other Alexa-enabled devices inside your home. You can also drop in using the Alexa app and communicate with contacts outside of your home by granting them Drop In permission.
Please see the steps below:
- Open the Alexa app and tap the Communicate tab.
- Select Drop In.
- Select the name of the device or contact you'd like to drop in on.
Just ask:
“Alexa, drop in.”Announcements
Use your SmartThermostat with voice control to broadcast announcements and keep your family updated. It's as simple as saying "Alexa, announce that...", followed by your message. A recording of your announcement will play on all supported Alexa-enabled devices inside your home
Announcements can also be made outside of your home using the Alexa app.
Just say:
“Alexa, announce that dinner’s ready.”
“Alexa, broadcast that we’re leaving in five.”
“Alexa, announce that I’m heading home from the office.”
For more information about these features, check out the Amazon support article on Alexa Communication. In case haven't done so already, here's a step-by-step guide on linking Alexa to your ecobee.