Dot to Dot: Recent Episodes
Robin Christopherson
These short top tips and skills for the Amazon Echo are for everyone who’s simply dotty about Alexa.
If you like kittens and you like cafes (and let’s face it, for some people that’s an absolutely killer combination) then you’ll love this skill. Play with kittens in a cafe with a wide range of diverting toys, and work out which will coax out the shyer ones from their hiding places. Nice sound effects too.
Today’s episode involves a mystery concerning this new BBC skill - namely why it exists… Any ideas?
Andy Brown (@AndrewBrown100) is back with an excellent demo of Book Buddy. If you like your books then you’ll love this handy companion skill. Big thumbs-up to Andy for another excellent episode. If you’d like to contribute an episode please drop me a line at robin.christopherson@gmail.com.
Today we quickly cover the fact that we can now listen to all the stories that comprise the famous Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling free of charge on the A-lady. Great author and great cakes too - boy was that chap talented! (Probably a British-only joke there…)
This one’s pretty cool. It’s a truly immersive audio adventure game with real attitude. Shame that not all the synthetic voices used are totally on the money but it’s still well worth a go.
Gross alert: today’s skill is only for those who’d like to get to know a lot more about poop - from a range of different animals including us humans. You have been warned. The only thing to distract you from today’s topic are the numerous little interruptions…
These two skills couldn’t be any more different. The first serves up random audio nuggets from Amazon’s series; The Grand Tour. The second will then chill us out to the mezmeric sounds of Tibetan meditation bowls. Both bizarre in their own way.
The fantastic Randy Rusnak (@TheBigR) brings us today’s excellent episode. He’s demoing Match Game which provides us with a daily dose of guess-the-best-blank goodness. It’s also absolutely freeeeeeezing in Randy-town so take care out there Big R.
Let’s gloss over the fact that most of these facts aren’t fun, and that most of these jokes aren’t fun-ny, and mostly try to marvel at just how many she must know to be able to serve them up on any topic that tickles you. Good on ya A-lady!
Andy Brown (@AndrewBrown100) is back demonstrating the excellent skill; Daily Log. Dictate short or longform notes, listen back to recent notes or search through older logs and even lock them for privacy if you want to keep them away from prying ears. Nice one Andy.
Uncover the mystery of Jupiter’s moon Europa and a fellow scientist’s disturbing emergency radio message, with today’s Atmospheric sci-fi thriller audio choose-your-own adventure game. If your Alexa has a screen, then you’ll also get images to go with each scene. This one really is out of this world!
Get all in a tizzy trying to crack the code words within the shortest possible time, and then unwind to the zen-like tones of a relaxing piano.
Let’s kick-off the new year with some (frankly fairly ambitious) resolutions to get 2018 off to a great start. My two faves happen to probably also be the most doable; to think about volunteering and to try to be as positive as possible. Happy new year one and all.
If you like the Monty Hall problem (which door hides the fortune and which doors the goats) then you’ll like today’s skill which adds a nice explosive element to this classic quiz show scenario.
At last a version of this classic playground game that has some actual playability. We’ve had our heads mangled by the whacky version that includes reptiles and a pointy-eared character from Star Trek, so now let’s just relax into the very familiar version of our childhood where you’re pitched against the sassy A-lady.
If you’re into cricket then this skill is definitely for you. Today we look at Talkie Cricket which will bowl you over (or at least bowl you an over) and, after that, I’m stumped for any more puns to deliver. I couldn’t help seeing the little Dot up there with tiny arms and legs and clutching a cricket bat or ball. Cute-looking for sure, but watch out for your googlies out there!
Do you know who invented Coca-Cola? And who invented jeans? Who on Earth invented this terrible skill (not that I could do any better, of course)? Maybe that’ll be one of the questions in this challenging quiz all about the great inventors of our time.
Saying “Alexa, open Beyond the Void” rewards you with a reasonably fantastic audio fantasy adventure with the most understated audio effects I’ve yet to barely hear - to the current point of play, at least. Actually, replace ‘fantastic’ with ‘feeble’. Want to let me know just how feeble? You know the hashtag.
Just in case you haven’t had enough hilarity from yesterday’s Christmas Crackers, today’s skill serves up some real groaners that are bound to put you off your left-over turkey.
Merry Christmas everyone! On this, the Christmas Day episode, let’s take a look at a great festive music trivia skill that’ll keep you all amused/bemused around the dinner table. If instead you want to dose off after too much turkey then that’s fine too. Hope everyone has a great Christmas full of festive cheer.
Today we look at a couple more built-in treats for the festive season. Until twelth-night (the 5th of January) you can ask the A-lady to “Read a Christmas Carol” which will play the fantastic Audible audio book by Charles Dickens that I briefly played in an earlier episode. It’s one of my favourite adaptations of this real Christmas classic. We also look at (a seemingly very limited selection of) random festive facts she can serve us by asking “Alexa, give me a Christmas treat” and revisit those oh-so-corny jokes.
How old is Cameron Diaz? What about Britney Spears? For info I had to look up the spelling of both of those and I couldn’t name a song that he’s sung or a film that she’s been in. And I’m pretty sure I’ve just got those the wrong way around…
Another excellent listener-contributed demo today; the brilliant Andy Brown (@AndrewBrown) brings us Mixologist. If you’ve ever wondered how to knock up a New York Slammer or mix a Miss Saigon Sunrise (I’ve no idea what I’m talking about) then this is the skill for you.
Wow! Prepare to be amazed/underwhelmed by today’s awesome random bizarre question generating skill from the UK comic Richard Herring. Unfortunately, we don’t hear his voice doing the asking or indeed any sound-effects - but it’s a good skill nevertheless.
Today we look at the completely brilliant skill that is Christmas Kindness. Easily find out how you can help others at this special time of year (and then put it into practice all year round!)
Scott’s back and he’s showing us how we can now ask the A-lady to wake us up by playing the music or radio station of our choice. Excellent. You know what this means guys? We all now need to wake up to Christmas music - although heavy metal is definitley the next best choice…
Hopefully you won’t ever need to use this skill but, just in case, it’s good to know it’s available. From choking on a Brussel sprout to help with a stomach ache after too much turkey, Virtual Nurse will come to the rescue.
Which of Captain Hook’s hands did the crocodile get? How many spots are there on 101 dalmations? If you like Disney movies and you’re not averse to your standard five-question, multiple-choice, quiz-type skill then today’s episode could very well be for you.
Today’s skill, which is all about eventually extricating yourself from three precarious predicaments, is certainly somewhat on the creepy side (especially the car one) but captivating nevertheless. Perhaps ‘captivating’ wasn’t the best choice of word…
If you like your Christmas movies, then you’ll love this festive feast of Christmas questions. Today’s topic will really have you reaching for the remote and a mince pie and settling in for a night of Christmas classics.
Hmmmm - even though today’s skill has sound-effects galore it’s still a bit of a weird one and perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea. See what you think. If you like emoji (and perhaps fighting) you will probably want to give this one a go.
Today’s episode is probably, no definitely, the worst and most frustrating skill demo yet - and that’s saying something! So with that due warning please check out today’s skill that’s very similar to the Mastermind one we looked at a few days ago, but here you also get additional info about correct numbers that are in the wrong position. You’ll see what I mean - and then wish you hadn’t. I know you can record a better skill demo than this so please do so and send it to me at robin.christopherson@gmail.com. Please also don’t forget to use #DTDPod to tell everyone how frustrating today’s episode was.
Yikes - I get into hot water in this choose-your-own-audio-adventure-game today! Moray eels and sharks galore. But don’t worry - extreme attitude in the face of adversity saves the day.
It’s your classic Snakes and Ladders game played against the A-lady or else up to three friends. If you fall foul of a snake when landing on square 99 then please be gentle with your Echo.
To random fact generating skills today but with a suitably festive theme. Did you know that Rudolph was an interloper or that Santa would have to visit 822 houses a second to get round to everyone on Christmas Eve? This is quality stuff!
Take careful aim, choose the strength of your kick and any fancy tricks you want to try to incorporate into your shot, and then just give it some welly. See if you can get more than 1 out of 5…
Do you remember this game by the same name from waaaaay back? There was a plastic board, coloured pegs to show your guessed sequence, and white pegs for the other guy to score your attempt to get it right. Oh those were the days…
This is a simple skill that brings a timed dose of ambient relaxation. Set your timer and deep-dive into the lapping ocean surf or just lay back under the rainforest’s all-embracing canopy. Mmmmmmmm. All you need is a double dark-chocolate Bounty bar and this would be perfection.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the height, weight, eye-colour, length and maximum velocity etc of characters, vehicles and planets that populate the Star Wars universe are found in today’s skill. OK, stricktly speaking it won’t give Han Solos maximum velocity or the Millenium Falcon’s eye-colour, but, just like Luke when he toppled unconscious from his Tauntaun into the snow, you can’t help but get the drift.
Today we revisit the Christmas theme and suffer a few feeble festive jokes followed by a nice soundscape to get us in the mood for mince pies (I won’t tell you how many I’ve already eaten this year).
Now we can ask the A-lady for a question each day and, if we get it right, there’s often a bonus question too. Bit waffly but interesting nevertheless so why not give it a go?
It’s our fantastic Faith to the rescue. She’s providing her expert grooming guidance to compliment the official pearls of wisdom dispensed by today’s Beauty Tips skill.
Into science? Want a challenge of the true-false, see-how-many-questions-you-can-get-right-before-losing-three-lives/your-mind kind? If so then today’s skill just might be somewhat suitable.
Today’s advent calendar skill is feeble in the extreme but, as I’ve been waiting till this morning (1 Dec) to record it, I had no idea and now we’re stuck with it! After that we try to redeem this episode with some A-lady Christmas songs and a quick consultation of Wikipedia, but I don’t think we quite manage it. Let’s face it - we’re way off.
Today special guest host, Holly Anderson, gives us a brilliant insight into the querky audio adventure game that is The Daily 5/9. I’m not familiar with the show Mr Robot (on which it’s based) - but that in no way means it isn’t on-air over here, although not yet available in the UK skill store. You can follow Holly on @DHSHolly and on the Maccessibility.net podcast. Thanks Holly and hope everyone enjoys todays episode.
Try to ignore the football noise in the background as we check out this groovy skill that harks back to the brilliant TV game of my childhood (so a very long time ago - but not quite in black and white) and, BTW, you enable it by saying “A-lady, enable Say Your Cards Right”. Forgot to mention that bit.
Once again, brace yourself to experience yet more of my eye-watering ignorance of anything music-related. Faith’s heard of them all but yours-truly couldn’t name anyone in the charts - even if a whole packet of chocolate digestives was at stake. So don’t listen if you easily get cross at sheer stupidity. You have been warned.
The first of today’s skills is all about the news. Get it from circa 70 different sources. After that I completely fail to find a segue into the Sad Trombone skill (Wah, wah, wah, waaaaaah…)
Yay, Eric’s back! Today he’ll give us all the low-down of how to access your Pandora music subscription through the A-lady. Sorry about the crackles - totally my fault. Eric doesn’t normally sound like that… honest.
And BTW for anyone whose podcatching app only downloaded one episode yesterday there were actually two. For whatever reason Downcast only grabbed the latest in the queue - i.e. the additional episode.
In this additional episode Bob gets all nostalgic and plays one of his own favourite songs on the A-lady.
Today we’re very privileged to have Bob back to help us demonstrate how multi-room music works and the minor niggle associated with having your music playback set up that way. Keep up as we sprint round the house, Bob.
Today we’re looking at a classy choose-your-own adventure game from the BBC. Sounds like it’s got good sound-effects. However, until about 4mins in, it’s a bit disconcerting that DAVE the computer is most definitely not a bloke…
See how many right answers you get in a row with today’s superbly simple skill. Guess what my longest chain is. 5? 4? 3? “Lower! Lower!” If you do better than me I’d like to hear about it via #DTDPod pls
Today we’re looking at a brilliant daily meditation skill that talks you through an initial relaxation routine and then concentrates on dealing with sadness, gratitude and many other topics that affect our daily lives. Love this skill.. We also remind ourselves that we can ask the A-lady; “What skills do I have?”
True or False is a nice trivia quiz that will pit your wits or possibly wisdom against facts fresh from the A-lady. Play against friends or solo and find out how many other players around the Echo-system (sorry about that pun) also got it right… or wrong. We also find out that we can ask the A-lady; “What are the most popular games skills?”
Though today there’s only a very modest number of actions from which to choose, this new built-in ability to chain together tasks and fire them off with a single command (or at a certain time) promises to be a game-changer. Hmmm… I wonder if one day you could use it to change the game you’re playing? One thing you can do today is set a scheduled routine to wake you up with the news, say, rather than simply one of the stock sounds. Very cool.
Ask the A-lady to give you a maths quiz and she’ll enable this skill. Don’t like maths? Then play yesterday’s skill again, choosing a character who does like maths, and then it might put you in the mood for this one. Cunning.
Take Twenty Questions, distill it down to concentrate on characters and prioritise personalities, and you’ll have the amazing Akinator skill. BTW What colour is Wilma Flintstone’s hair? Answers using #DTDPod pls.
Is today’s skill at all similar to the famous video game Minecraft? I’ve no idea but from the little I’ve gleaned of the game from my kids it probably isn’t a million miles off the mark (after you’ve taken away all the graphics of course). And it has (cheesy) sound-effects.
Woo, woo! (Just adding in some sadly absent sound effects) Two groovy skills to keep you on the right track when it comes to knowing your UK train trivia. We then finish off with some bonus soothing train sounds to send us to sleep. Don’t listen to this episode when operating heavy machinery.
Join me at the very nadir of my trivia career. I might as well have my head chopped off by Ned Stark - I’d still do about as well at these skills.
Tweet straight from your Echo with this fab skill. You can also listen to your timeline in all its glorious audio hilarity (tweets just aren’t supposed to be spoken out loud). Welcome to my world. Oh and good luck dictating #DTDPod…
Just like Family Fortunes, this skill pits you against the popular answers of polled people on a range of random topics. No sound effects; big red ‘X’.
Today we look at two skills; one to avoid all that tedious pressing of the Play/Pause button on your stereo when playing pass the parcel, and the other to publically probe the very furthest extent of your most personal preferences.
In today’s episode, the excellent Eric Troup (with a tiny guest appearance from the lovely Manissa) shows us all the Scooby Doo skill. With voices from the current cartoon (actually probably CGI come to think of it) TV series which sound spookily like the original cast from way back, there’s no mystery about why this skill’s a winner. Eric’s @BlindGeek on Twitter and check out his real-time roll-play podcast Monkeys Took My Jetpack - it’s really rather good.
Today’s episode is brought to us by the brilliant Michael Cassidy. Mike demonstrates three awesome aviation-related skills that can give us flight costs, arrival/departure details and the low-down on what’s on high above our heads. I love listener episodes.
Two random fact generating skills today; one to serve up crazy nuggets about the world, and the second to let you know if they’re true or not.
It’s another good ol’ multiple-choice, five-question quiz today guys - although it’s about the cool film that is Jurassic Park. We also finish off by revisiting the great sounds produced by the scary skill ‘Dinosaur Facts and Sounds’.
Today we look at a really good 15 minute progressive muscle relaxation exercise skill - or at least we would have been if it hadn’t been totally sabotaged by a certain person, a text and an oven…
If you want to be a Jedi Master then my advice to you is to never say “I don’t know” or all your efforts will be for nought. No idea what I’m talking about? Understandable. Just listen to today’s skill.
A quick reprise today of how I record my demos and a request for all you lovely listeners to think about doing one too. Also I just made up the hashtag #DTDPod (#DTD is already busy) so feel free to use that to share your favourite skills too.
With today’s top skill you can turn yourself into a train magnate in minutes. Take a listen to these super sound-effects and you’ll know you’re on the right track.
This fascinating skill lists a daily dose of uniquely British (or perhaps not?) problems sourced from the up-voted submissions to a sub-reddit. Two of today’s entries are lost on me - and I’m undeniably British - so don’t worry if they aren’t all obvious to you too.
Twist your bodies into all sorts of crazy contortions with today’s top skill. Whether you’re Fluffy McFluffmeister or Sassy Crocky, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is some sort of skill for softies - noooo! This is some serious twisting…
Today we look at a fab new facility; Find My Phone. Use this skill to register your mobile with their auto-call service and you’ll be able to quickly call your phone with a command to Alexa. It’s recommended by Amazon - I call that a ringing endorsement!
Ooooh - it’s Halloweeeeen! Be afraid, be very afraid. I’m actually very afraid that today’s episode covering some groovy built-in Halloween-related goodness is not scary at all…
Today we take another look at the built-in capabilities of the A-lady to call, drop in or leave voicemails with friends. You can even call other Echos in your house like some sort of futuristic hands-free intercom.
It’s a noisy one today - and I’m not talking sound effects (although there is one). Apologies if you can hardly hear me do really badly at this great Great British history trivia quiz.
Today another of the hosts of the Mystic Access podcast, Chris Grabowski, brings us an excellent demo of the TPLink Router skill. Manage most aspects of your router from doing a speedtest to turning off its LEDs using this groovy skill (if you have a supported TPLink router, that is). Now quickly say the following in a British accent (easier if you are actually British); “Router, scooter. Router, scooter. Router, scooter.”
Want to be gently grilled in a language you’re learning? I like this skill and would recommend it to anyone who is trying to learn Spanish, Italian or … Australian(???!!!!)
The second in our Halloween series, today’s skills are two of a scary pair; Halloween Sounds serves up all sorts of spooky audioscapes, whereas Halloween Music plays tortured twists on some popular tunes. Don’t listen to this one alone…
Is there a Halloween party in your future (assuming the zombies don’t get you first that is)? Need to know whether you should go as a scary clown or a super-hero? This skill will give you all the gorey/garish tips you’ll need .
From discoverynews.com, today’s skill is a daily five minute science story that gets added to your flash briefing. I also mention the excellent Scientific American’s 60-Second Science podcast which does a similar thing. A double dose of regular scientific goodness.
Three skills today; two to help track when you last fed your furry friend(s) and one to make sure you never inadvertently give your faithful hound something that will disagree with them. Grapes seem to be culprit numero uno.
Today we address an major oversight - namely that, to date, I haven’t officially covered the fact that the A-Lady can control smart devices such as plugs and lightbulbs. So, while Sam’s out, we’re up in his room and messing about with his stuff.
Links for today’s episode:
Empowering people with Alexa
smart Wifi Plug by Wasserstein
Smart Home LED Lightbulb by Wasserstein
Philips Hue Personal Wireless Lighting [...]
Today Lisa Salinger of the excellent Mystic Access podcast kindly demos the Earthquakes skill that gives a run-down of all the recent quakes across The States. You might not think that North America experiences quakes very often - in fact there are several every day…
If you don’t live in the UK then hopefully you’ll have an equivalent skill in your area; Job Finder lists the top matches for types of job posted in the last 24hrs in a city of your choice. Happy hunting.
Today’s two skills are all about creating your own random fantasy characters for use in your favourite roll-play game. The first isn’t bad, but the second is frankly a load of rubbish so I’m not entirely sure why I have included it at all…
Today we (probably rather disrespectfully) look at how to get each day’s horoscope for your star sign from the new built-in A-Lady ability. Sourced from The Astro Twins, she serves you up a detailed daily dose of galactic guidance and please all email me to complain about my flippant attitude to today’s topic (robin.christopherson@gmail.com) and, whilst you’re at it, pop in a recording of a skill which I’ll put up in a future episode.
If you like playing rock, paper, scissors (or ‘Paper, scissors, stone’ as we say in the UK) then you’re probably still not going to be too enamoured with this skill which takes it to a whole new level of sci-fi/reptile strangeness. What was it; Spock tickles lizard, lizard reads paper and paper wraps Spock?? I can’t keep up!
Bit of a bitty one today so apologies for that, but we end up with a really good flavour of what this excellent workout skill has to offer. Happy huffing and puffing.
Yes - today’s episode is about asking the A-lady for help (which triggers the Translate It skill which we revisit) and we also take a look at a skill called Spanish which tests you on your Español. ¡Divertirse!
A huge thanks to listener Scott Vandewalle for contributing today’s skill. Song Quiz will pit you against opponents across the US to test your pop knowledge in a merciless musical head-to-head. Not available in the UK ,as yet. Anyone else who’d like to contribute an episode please just send to me at robin.christopherson@gmail.com.
Today we look at a D&D-style adventure game that is definitely several charisma points above your average. For hardened fantasy roll-players only, this one will keep your virtual character occupied from beginning to sticky end. BTW I neglected to say that you enable it in the normal way; “A-lady enable Dungeon Adventure”
If you’re feeling positive and up-beat then this classic British TV series is the perfect antidote. Actually, the infinitely grumpy Victor Meldrew will definitely bring a smile - of the slightly pained variety…
Play almost any podcast with this great skill. AnyPod let’s you subscribe to all your favourite podcasts, lines them all up in a handy digital row, and then let’s you sit back and listen with the smile of a frude who really knows where his towel is (don’t ask me why I went off into H2G2 territory there - absolutely no idea…)
Today’s episode is somewhat niche in the same way that a Raisin and Biscuit Yorkie is somewhat tasty. If you’re not into, say, humour on the topic of binary numbers or the more hilarious aspects of inheritance in object-oriented languages then you may want to avoid this one like you would an infinitely-long shower and shampoo session with a perpetually pragmatic programmer.
If you love Geordie (I’m a bit biased as I love a Geordie), or if you’re ever planning a trip to, say, Durham Castle where they filmed some of the Harry Potter movies and you want to understand the locals then this is the skill for you.
Today we look at a couple of new ways of asking Alexa for new stuff she can do and then finish off with a tasty skill called Meal Ideas which serves up, er, meal ideas. It pretty much does what it says on the tin. There may even be some tins involved - it really depends upon what the mysterious ingredient ‘Half and Half’ comes in….
We’ve got nature sounds galore in today’s thoroughly relaxing ambient audio skill. Lie back and let the waves of wonder gently wash over you whilst birds sing softly and sweetly straight into your lug ‘oles.
Two quizzes that will leave you gasping in disbelief at just how little I know about, well, anything really - but most specifically today about anything to do with films old and new. They’re good skills so don’t let that put you off too much.
Take your time exploring this chronologically challenging choose-your-own adventure game. Will it end up being a timeless classic? Only time will tell. Done with the puns? About time.
Care in the community? Watch out as Clare is providing it and that’s not a good recipe for success. This skill shows us the other side to social work and it’ll make you simultaneously smile and squirm.
I bring today’s episode to you with a twisted anckle. Actually, not at the beginning of the episode but from around a minute and a half in. Don’t ask - just listen to today’s instalment which is all about a groovy skill which brings us audio described old time movies for your aural enjoyment.
Repeat; “Trying recitations of tongue-wrangling randomness, Robin routinely Really rather torturously renders them radically irregular.”
If you’ve not read the HP books then you really should. If you’ve not watched the HP films then you really shouldn’t. But that’s just a blind guy’s opinion who likes good dialog. Now on with the episode…
Today we look at another sorting ceremony skill. See if you can guess which house I best fit in? Yes, that’s right. It wasn’t really ever in question was it? Which house will you be sorted into?
Two word-related skills today so fire up your sensoria and be sure to duck as here comes a monster spelling bee in reverse!
Today we briefly revisit, with the help of the A-lady and in a not-altogether-uncreepy way, some key episode sthat newer listeners may have misssed. They cover those important built-in functions that every Echo fan should know about. They are episode #2 on Wikipedia, #7 on connecting the A-lady to your phone, #9 on the built-in calendar function, #11 on playing radio stations and podcasts on TuneIn, #27 on adding music to your Echo without going Unlimited, #30 included tips on built-in timers and alarms, #47 was about buying from Amazon using the A-lady, #52 was on playing Audible books, #69 was the built-in Kindle book reading function, #104 was about new built-in voice calling and messaging features, #113 on connecting to a Bluetooth speaker, #139 on the new reminder notifications and last but not least was #216 which included a bunch of updates about asking the A-lady for tips or to play a game, giving your timers a name and setting alarms for specific days). Phew!
Who wants to be a millionaire? If you do then stop wasting time playing highly enjoyable games on your Echo and get out there and get grafting. But don’t forget; money doesn’t buy happines. That’s Jaffa Cakes.
Today we’ve another transatlantic double. As you’ll see, I don’t know my European capital cities nearly as well as I should and I know even less about key facts about the American civil war. So sit back and squirm or stand up and pace - whatever gets you through.
It sure is quiet in this forest but, despite the lack of sound effects, let’s put on our sturdy adventurers britches and, er, sally forth (To leave a safe place in a brave or confident way in order to do something difficult: Cambridge English Dictionary)
Another in the series of skills that bring classic radio echoing around your house. You can’t get more classic than Hancock’s Half Hour. Enjoy.
Today’s episode is a bit of a catastrophe all-round really. It starts strong with the opening jingle and then kinda goes downhill from there… Actually I’ve just thought of something vaguely funny to pep up this episode; fend off cat burglars with your own virtual guard dog! (3 out of 10)
Two skills today; National Grid provides a real-time break-down of power supply across the UK from a range of sources, and Number 10 gives you the latest tweet from our esteemed Prime Minister’s office. If you need perking up after this one then why not go back and listen to the 4ABurp episode?
Today we look at a few built-in Star Trek-related abilities of the A-Lady, and then follow it up with a go at the Star Trek TOS Fan Trivia skill that quizzes you on the original series (hence ‘TOS’) that’s now 51 years young. It’s podcasting Jim, but not as we know it.
Today’s episode is all about mental health and includes a few reminders about earlier episodes that touch on this topic, an update on Reminders and how they can now also notify you on your phone, and lastly we look at the Depression Tracker skill which can advise on whether you may be experiencing depression. Look after yourselves out there.
Today we look at another Dr Who-related skill, topped and tailed with what is probably the best theme tune of all time…
With some slightly suspicious distances dished out in this demo, we take a look at how far a weary crow would have to wing it to get from A to B around the world. As you’ll see for yourself, someone should really point these crazy corvids in the right direction before they set off…
Two food-related skills today; some (I think) groovy jokes about consumables in general, followed by some fascinating facts about everyone’s favourite curved yellow fruit. BTW if you don’t like bananas please do show your displeasure by recording a podcast (of around 5mins or so) on your favourite echo skill and send it to me at robin.christopherson@gmail.com
We’ve looked at Earplay in a previous episode in which we covered the demo and I mentioned that there was one story available; Cygnus. Now there’s a second called ‘Half’ so let’s take a quick look, or listen, to see what’s what.
If you’re into The Hobbit and you like comedy then you’ll love this skill. Hilariously funny, it’s a spoof of all things fantasy and well worth a lengthy listen. Definitely a case of one skill to rule them all.
Two completely unrelated skills today, except that they cater to the interests of both sides of the li’l old pond that separates us from our American cousins. If either advertising jingles or avoiding falling between tube train and platform are your thing then there may be something in today’s episode for you. I also put out a plea for suggestions and/or contributions to either @usa2day or robin.christopherson@gmail.com - and of course for reviews on iTunes. Ta.
Two more skills from the Jeopardy stable aimed at teens and sports fans. Unfortunately, I don’t qualify as the first and only as a completely inept example of the latter, so enjoy just how bad I am at both. My reputation as a total doofus is not at all in jeopardy here.
The sadly missed British comedy trasure that is Ronnie Barker features in this hugely popular 70s and 80s TV show about inmates of a British prison. I also encourage you to check out other classic British comedies from that era such as ‘Open All Hours’, ‘The Two Ronnies’ and ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ on Youtube or wherever time-honoured comedies live these days… Still no fish.
In today’s episode we roam around this faithful reproduction of the hugely-popular text adventure game that’s been Alexified for our listening pleasure. Make sure you take a sandwich … or several. Didn’t find any fish, though.
It’s raining. There’s some thunder too. It feels like a good time to remind ourselves about the Big Sky skill.
You may well know the card game Go Fish (I’d heard of it) and this skill does a pretty good job in bringing it to the A-lady. Fish for the right cards from your competitor and you could have the upper hand - just don’t expect any sound effects along the way. Hmmm… fish have been mentioned in 3 shownotes in a row now.
Two totally unrelated skills today - the second making up for the fact that the first is UK-specific because everyone loves pizza, right? If wrong then let me know post haste so I can mention you in a future episode to correct the sweeping generalisation (@USA2DAY or robin.christopherson@gmail.com). Oh and please also use those methods to more generally let me/the world know about DTD… pretty please with anchoves. Make that rhyme and you’ll like it so much that you’ll be using it in everyday conversation even if you hate the particular fish in question - but then again getting hit in the face with one wouldn’t be as bad as, say, a tuna (for everyone who recalls yesterday’s shownotes). On closing, I’d just like to point out that these are the longest shownotes of any episode to date. By quite a long way. Really quite a long way. Loooooong way. Looooooooong. Borderline unecessarily long.
Neither this jokey elf nor random Dad we’ve collared for this episode entirely deliver in the comedic department. Still, it’s better than a slap in the face with a wet fish as the saying goes. Oh, and Bob’s back.
In today’s super skill I’ll be grilled on my superhero knowledge and reveal my thinly-disguised alter-ego; Stupid Man. Please don’t stop listening just because I’m so terrible at anything to do with popular culture.
Today we look at two super skills; Radio Best Superman is another old-time-radio-must-listen-skill and Super Me is a super-hero-yourself-assistant-skill (and my super power for the day BTW is saving the world through the gratuitous use of hyphens)
Briefly introduced by a suspiciously unconvincing Frenchman called Bernard, today’s skill is all about your ability to observe a spoken scene and correctly respond to random questions about its contents. Best of luck Superbrains!
Similar to the skill we recently covered in episode #209, today we feel the pressure associated with correctly (or in my case incorrectly) answering 80s-music-related trivia.
Today we remind ourselves of some groovy built-in functionality; asking Alexa for tips and to play a game. We then look at the updated functions; timer (give your timers a name) and alarms (now set them for specific days). We then finish off with the new ability to ask Alexa for jokes on a specific topic - they’re still bad but at least they’re now bad on a subject of your choosing.
Hopefully the sayings provided by these sage (if rather spiteful) parental-advice skills won’t ring any bells with you whatsoever.
Ask Alexa what’s up and she’ll now give you a nice potted summary of the news and weather. We also take a look at a skill about getting set up in podcasting. Apologies as I know this one is niche which, here in the UK at least, rhymes with ‘leash’. Ironically ‘leash’ is an American word but I don’t think we here in the UK have one that rhymes so it’ll have to do. And, in case your wondering, we say “Lead” for the thing that has a dog on one end.
Neatly packaged presentations of anywhere between 6 and 18mins (in my experience) on topics as broad as Norwegian train journeys to the ultimate TED talk itself. This skill should have something for everyone.
A real classic and universally accepted as the forerunner of Monty Python, The Goon Show will have you transfixed; either with enjoyment or bemusement.
Some simple, some not so - this skill is a combination of multiple choice and open questions all about that wonderful topic that rules our breathtaking and majestic Universe.
If you’re clueless about a clue, or wondering about a word, then let this skill of blanks and letters help you complete that crossword. BTW I met the inventor of crosswords the other day. Now what was his name? It was P something T something R…
Ooooh the pressure! It’s all in the sound-effects. Actually there isn’t much suspense building up in today’s skill as I almost entirely fail to get a run of correct answers, each starting with a random letter of the alphabet.
I really hope you don’t end up with your knickers in a twist if you don’t find today’s two skills to your liking. Twist? Find? hmmm…
Blackjack, 21, Pontoon - whatever you like to call it, if you’d like to have a crack at Blackjack and try your hand against the digital dealer then this skill might just be for you.
Today we’re looking at a skill that serves up dollops of Apple-flavoured inspiration to order. The much-missed master of the corporate turnaround often had some truly motivational moments - but I can’t help thinking they’d be better spoken by him and not the A-lady, and with some groovy background music too. A bit like the ‘Inspire Me’ skill, in fact.
A gentle yet hilarious satirical political sitcom (try saying that three times quickly out loud and people will give you a funny look) and well worth a listen.
Pick a category, pick a letter and pitch your wits against Alexa. Actually she does the picking. Good luck!
My daughter, Faith, has taken a few minutes to create a mystery quiz for me using today’s skill; Quiz Maker. After enabling it, simply go to myquiz.space, create a quick multiple-choice quiz , and then amuse/amaze your family and friends. Warning - for whatever reason this skill seems to object to your choosing Option 3!!
Either you’ll be like the 73% of people who love this skill (Yaaaay! Clap, clap) or you’ll be among the 27% who’d rather poke themself with a barbeque skewer - surprisingly, there is no middle ground here. That’s %age of listeners to this podcast of course. 99.99999999999999% of the world’s population have never heard of this podcast, have an Echo or probably have even seen a barbeque skewer.
You probably know all about this show. Just call me an idiot while I waffle on about what this skill entails. Grandmothers. Eggs. Gums.
Another star host for another milestone episode. David Woodbridge is Vision Australia’s Senior Adaptive Technology Consultant and you can get regular doses of tech-related goodness by subscribing to his ‘Talking Tech’ and ‘iSee’ podcasts in your podcatcher of choice. Thanks for contributing today’s episode, David.
You can catch this skill, like a theif in a web, simply by downloading it and pressing Play. If your Spidey-sense is tingling and you detect yet another contrived description to today’s skill then give yourself a pat on your big, hairy cephalothorax (I feel a bit queezy now - I wish I hadn’t written that…) Oh, and by the way we have a special guest for tomorrow’s episode.
You’re on a train, hurtling towards London when you wake from a dose and suddenly find yourself deputised by a detective. Tickety-tum, tickety-tum, tickety-tum. I’m putting in these sound effects as this skill is sadly lacking in that department - but otherwise it’s on the right track…
Today’s first skill covers what happened that is in any way Star Wars-related on a given date going back over the lifetime of this global sci-fi phenomenon, followed by that classic line issued by HAL 9000 in that other legendary space movie (y’know the one with the apes, the black monolith and the baby).
Do you like words? Do you also like trying to remember things? If the answer is ‘Yes’ to both of these then this skill is for you. Actually, I should probably also add the condition that you like playing games on your Echo too…
Blaaaaack Adder, Blaaaack Adder (sing along)… Another groovy addition to the series of skills that bring classic TV shows to the Echo. You may know him best as Mr Bean, but before being Bean he was a Mr B of a very different kind.
Can you track down your clients’ elusive acquaintances? You’ve only got a few slim clues about the country they’ve chosen to flee to, and two strikes before you’re out of luck.
From the Orient to the Occident there is no better Echo skill that happens to be called Lyrics Idol than this one - and I think to myself, what a wonderfl “Beep”..
Easily turn any spoken phrase into a truly painful listening experience with this simple songification skill.
It’s a punishing episode full of terrible jokes today. My advice with regards the best approach to take when listening to today’s episode is to resign yourself to not finding any of them remotely funny and then, if one does tickle you just a little bit, it’s a net win.
Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person, we’ve got you covered with today’s skills. If you’re both then it’s a double dose of pet pronouncements for you.
This skill probably needs no introduction to UK listeners - and for everyone else, I do enough waffling about it in the actual episode to make typing anything else here simply borderline gratuitous. BTW as a touch-typist I think the word ‘Dwarf’ is possibly the most awkward word I’ve ever had to type.
Yes, I know that you can already play podcasts on the Echo from TuneIn, but AnyPod has a few additional bits of cleverness that makes it stand out. And I can’t wait to pitch AnyPod against Apple’s HomePod later in the year…
This is one of my all-time fave skills to date - it’s a simple ‘Get yourself out of this room if you can’ scenario so feel free to just fiddle with things and you’ll do fine.
Pit yourself against the A-Lady to find out how many easy, moderately difficult or hard maths questions you can successfully answer in a minute. Or repeatedly bang yourself on the head with your favourite mug. Whichever you’d prefer.
Today’s four skills are all about bands and artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s and, like all other ‘… Letters’ skills, you need to be a quick thinker when finding answers that all start with the same letter in each round. I’m sure you’ll do better than I did. Oh and I also throw out another plea for your contributions. Send your demos to me at robin.christopherson@gmail.com.
We’re half way through a year of episodes and, in this extra one to mark the moment, we look at connecting your Echo to the IFTTT service and some of the groovy additional capabilities that will then be at your fingertips… Well, er, larynx.
Eclectic I know, but today we look at two random fat generators about popular bands from wildly different eras. Both groovy in their own unique way.
This trivia game is about the popular epic fantasy saga Game of Thrones (see what they did there?) and - surprise, surprise - I’m hopeless at it. At least I’m consistent.
Today’s skill is your classic multiple choice trivia game and it’s about music, bands and artists. You’ll do better than me - I guarantee it.
Remember The Colour Game and Caves Under Thornhill? If so, and with fondness, then these skills are for you. If not, and your game for a new game or two, then these skills are for you too.
If you can get past the slightly scary voice with which this skill gives you quotes from movies through the decades, then you’ll like this skill where you guess the missing word. Even I got a couple right so it can’t be that hard.
We’ve had scary tales in the past, now let’s hear some very maoralistic fables that will impart life-changing lessons for us to bear in mind whenever, for example, we need to break a bunch of sticks.
No idea why it’s called Sporcle Trivia - maybe that’ll be one of its questions. This skill is a cut above your average multiple-choice trivia game as it allows you to answer questions in a category of your choosing. Enjoy!
Yet another one of these Radio … skills but this one’s a doozy. Eves-drop on the crazy crew of this aeroplane and their (very) high-jinx.
Two completely unrelated skills brought together with the most tenuous link yet; Tic Tac Toe - we call it Noughts and Crosses - won’t always end in a draw (surprisingly) and Rover Buggy which tells us the actual direction of travel of the Mars Rover at the time of asking.
Learn Chinese the easy way with this awesome oriental skill - or simply learn how to properly pronounce ‘Hello’ (they say that at the beginning of each lesson)!
OK - I warn you to listen to this episode only - and I stress only - if you don’t easily vomit at how little someone knows about cultural phenomena such as the Simpsons. You have been warned.
I’m on familiar territory here in as much as I have no idea what I’m doing with this groovy slot machine emulator skill.
What does your name mean and how popular was it last year? Find out with this groovy skill - so long as it isn’t Robin, Peter or Jo/Joe that is.
In the first of these two True or False trivia-based games you are pitched head-to-head against similarly-skilled opponents from around the world. Then we look at a version that is a sudden-death against your family or friends. There’s also a surprise appearance from an earlier superstar guest host. Hold on tight!
I’m imagining that Dad’s Army needs no introduction - and hence this skill likewise needs no explanation. If you’re not familiar with the popular radio and television sensation then give it a listen. It’s a classic.
Can you guess the movie from the notable quote? Test your metal with this movie-related multiple-choice quiz skill. And we’ll also get some random (and sometimes repeated) bits of movie trivia too.
What’s Joey’s favourite food? Why is Chandler named after a search engine? Who got their teeth whitened and had a smile to blind even someone wearing sunglasses? I’ve no idea if we’ll find out the answers to these questions using this skill but we’ll definitely discover similar stuff related to everyone’s favourite TV show. Oh and BTW, if you’re friends of this podcast please think about rating it on iTunes - thanks oodles.
He’s pugnacious, he’s slightly more than half-senile, but he’s really funny (or at least I think he is). He’s Count Arthur Strong and I’d recommend you give his radio series a go.
Just about to step out of the door for that well-earned and long-yearned-for holiday (that’s a vacation for people across the pond) when you’re suddenly riddled with doubt. Did you possibly forget some vital item? Let this skill take the strain.
Brace yourselves for a mental exploration of a mind maze in five dimensions. You’ve stuck with me this far so don’t give up on me now guys. Also a nice quickie skill related to that most excellent of cult films; Labyrinth.
Like Twenty Questions or the Animal Game, this skill invites you to think of something - in this case a person either real or imaginary - and Alexa will guess it after a few questions (and possibly a few detours too as this skill seems to go off on tangents from time to time but get’s there in the end).
Consider adding this excellent daily tech roundup from the TWiT network to your news briefing. Go to twit.tv for a wide range of daily and weekly podcast that are about all things tech - each is available in HD and SD video as well as MP3 only. I subscribe to several and couldn’t do without them.
Not your average ‘choose your own adventure’ game - more a case of medieval estate management with the added spice that the King might, at any moment, chop your jolly old head off.
In today’s episode we look at two skills that will help ensure that you and your chosen partner enjoy a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship. The first called Naughty Dice is a bit saucy, whilst Before the Knot encourages you to discuss all those important subjects you need to cover off before a big commitment.
This skill brings this classic radio (and TV) series to the Echo. Enjoy every minute of every episode of this funny and often very touching timeless radio show.
Come with me through countless colourful doors while we explore a maze of halls full of amazing objects. I’ve no idea what I’m doing with this one…
This skill provides us with more alternative words than, towards which, one is able to oscillate a hirsute staff. Oh and BTW, I’m still after your contributions in order to give everyone a very refreshing change. Please send to robin.christopherson@gmail.com - as well as any other comments or feedback you have.
Are you game to set yourself against today’s trivia skill and see if you can match its tennis knowledge? Also find out the rankings of all the world’s most popular players.
Today we’re serving up tennis info like a pro - or at least like someone who has two skills and a radio station to tell you about before Wimbledon starts tomorrow…
Suspiciously devoid of actual tennis-related information, this Wimbledon Facts skill will nevertheless help you learn all about the native environs of the humble Womble.
There are some seriously interesting facts about twins, and this skill has got them all.
Another in this excellent series of skills that bring old-time radio to the Echo, this one brings lovable characters from Dad’s Army to a rural railway setting… or siding.
I’ve got a Golden Ticket (skill), I’ve got a Golden Ticket (skill) iiiiin my Echo… This skill is all about identifying the actor that plays in two different films. I was completely hopeless at this skill. Not even Kevin Bacon came to my rescue. Oh and I also mention how you can now easily discover groovy skills by asking Alexa to play a game.
For some vaguely-fitness-related tips and a quick look at how to look up calory values on the A-lady check out today’s skill.
Today we’re looking at another in the excellent series of skills where you’re pitched against the A-lady to see who can name the most items starting with a certain letter - in this case on the topic of the boy who lived. And don’t forget that you-know-who’ starts with a ‘V’.
Probably the most sophisticated D&D-style skill to date, Six Swords leads you through a complex landscape with complicated gameplay. This one takes interactive fiction games to a new level.
Two more skills in the ‘… Letters’ series. Can you pull boys and girls names out of the air quickly enough to beat the A-lady? Can you be similarly swift with US states, state capitals and national parks? Will this be a red letter day for mental dexterity?
What connects the Himalayas, Bladerunner and Hazel O’Connor? Er… probably just today’s episode.
Learn strange and obscure facts about NYC with today’s first skill - and then let’s get even more bizarre by turning your Echo into a voice-enabled (if a little feeble) flashlight.
Today we look at a skill that serves up quality quotes from the master of black humour himself, as well as a useful skill to help banish boredom whenever it rears, adder-like, its hypnotic head.
Today’s skills are spookily similar to the Animal Letters skill we’ve already covered, but with different topics and groovy sound effects. Enjoy.
Anagrams, hangman and more according to the description, but as yet only anagrams have revealed themselves to me in this good word-based skill which also includes the ability to battle your friends.
We’re still without voice calling or messaging here in the UK (sob) but at least we now get reminder notifications on our beloved Echos. I also finish off this episode with a quick reminder (see what I did there?) that you can download all 139 episodes to date and also very cheekily and brazenly ask for you to take 2mins to put up a review on iTunes.
Great name for a travel-related skill. This one’s just for UK bods I’m afraid, and even then only those who want to know either the cheapest or quickest rail journey between any two stations.
This is a must-hear skill that brings the classic 80s TV show ‘Only Fools and Horses’ to the Echo. I need say no more - except perhaps that if you don’t give this one a go then you’re a real plonker, as Del Boy would say.
How well do you know your periodic table? This multiple-choice quiz will help you know your Pb from your Pu - which, quite frankly, could be a lifesaver.
The classic playground/dinner party game Alexafied for our equal parts delectation and distress.
In this skil we’re taken to a busy restaurant where a mysterious woman appears at your table, asks you to kiss her and then flees for her life (nothing to do with your smooching abilities), pausing only to give you a small vile of green liquid - not for washing up. Of course your choices might end up with a very different story…
What’s even more awe-inspiring than Milton Keynes? The universve of course. Come with me on a journey of discovery with this groovy space-related random fact generating skill.
Not exactly timely but today we look at ways of getting useful election-related info from Alexa - including how each party is doing, as well as the UK Parliament Facts skill.
I know - you don’t have to tell me; yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, yam.
Today we first look at a nice skill called Tricky Gini. Hear a short story and then choose one of the gini’s three sacks to help solve our protagonists problem. I then confuse everyone trying to explain the Monty Hall car, goat, goat conundrum.
Today’s skill serves us a daily curated playlist of well-read articles that are positively crying out to be enjoyed. This one’s definitely on my daily go-to list of skills.
This skill certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you have a knack for remembering a random array of colourful cards then Memory Match might be for you.
If you like a good burp you’ll love this skill. Warning - you know exactly what you’re in for…
Warning, warning, thrice times a warning; this episode contains a dangerous number of my own jokes intermingled with the Corny Dad jokes supplied by this groovy skill.
Test your multiplication, division, addition and subtraction abilities to the very limit with this excellent skill. If multiplication, division, addition and subtraction really aren’t your thing, you never know but you may still find this episode intersting. Just don’t blame me if you don’t.
There’s real value in hypnotherapy (or so someone with a strangely compelling voice once explained to me) so this skill may well help you overcome a fear or habit. There are a number of sessions spoken by trained hypnotherapist, Barry Thane, so sit back, relax and take it all in.
This skill has oodles of dishes from noodles to fishes. Whatever your fancy there’s bound to be a recipe that meats your kneads. This really is the most comprehensive cooking skill we’ve looked at yet.
From drapes to drains, from cars to covers, from sinks to sofas, this skill will tell you how to clean them all of any unsightly stain, belligerennt blockage or malingering mark. This is by far the most clever cleaning skill yet.
If you’ve got a guitar knocking around the house that you’ve always meant to learn how to play then this skill’s for you. It’ll even help you tune it first. When you’re done just write a song about how good this skill is.
Magic Dice is a skill that will predict a number you omit after pecking around on your calculator’s keypad, multiplying as many single digits as you care to, and finally speaking out the answer to Alexa (missing out one random digit). Confused? Listen on, Macduff.
A messy episode today covering the newly remastered Sergeant Pepper album, renaming songs to make them easier to invoke and the UK Met Office regional skills.
In today’s episode my son, Sam, shows us just how much knowledge about the prenier league is crammed into his brain - even obscure facts dating back to last season which is the rather dated domain of this skill. The league finished last Sunday so perhaps an updated version will be coming out soon.
In this second episode dedicated to Star Wars we look at two skills; Unofficial Star Wars Quotes which will give you lots of juicy quotes, and Unofficial Star Wars Trivia which is a nice multiple choice game. Both, you’ll be pleased to know, only cover the original three films.
Today we’re commemorating the fact that on this day forty years ago the first Star Wars film was released. We’ll look at two skills; Trivia Game for Star Wars which is a great multiple choice quiz and the random fact generator; Star Wars Unofficial. The odds of tomorrow bringing part 2 are significantly better than 3720 to 1.
Test your knowledge about all things Apple with this quick multiple-choice quiz. Whilst I do obviously love Apple products, rest assured A-lady that Amazon’s products will always have a uniquely special place in my heart.
A bit of a departure today as we’re just looking at a playlist of 70s and 80s TV show theme tunes available in Prime Music - but it’s so cool that we just had to include it. If you’re ancient like me then please do put on some comfortable shoes and let’s take a stroll down memory lane. If you’re younger than that then just shake your head at how corny theme tunes were back then.
Sorry it’s taken me so long to get around to covering this extremely useful feature of the humble Dot. Connecting to a Bluetooth speaker can significantly boost your audio, if you really want to annoy the neighbours further down your street.
Put a message in a bottle and see who picks it up. Pick up others’ bottles and send them a reply. Sounds good? It is (except for the dodgy grammar that abounds in this skill).
Three skills; Minecraft Fan Did You Know, Crafting Coach and Crafter Quiz. You’ll have to listen to today’s episode to find out what they do - my health rating is too low to explain.
It’s here. An unofficial but nevertheless pretty faithful version of the classic multiple-choice adventure game. Open the mailbox and let the fun begin.
What is black and blue and red all over? A boxer whose really embarrassed about how badly he lost. Actually that’s more like a joke than a riddle - and a bad one at that but I did just make it up. In this episode we look at Alexa’s built-in riddling functionality and two riddle skills; Riddle Me and Riddle Me This.
Something strange has moved into the caves under Thornhill. Are you brave enough to sit in the safety of your own home and explore this virtual and entirely imaginary menacing maze? For the sake of humanity (or at least Thornhill) I sincerely hope so…
Can you capture the correct meaning of an obscure word from a number of abstruse decoy definitions designed to obfuscate? Me neither - most of the time.
Try not to think about lice floating in a cup of water as you listen to this really groovy and nicely produced audio truth or lie multiple choice skill.
My very sanity is in jeopardy playing this skill which, as you will only too readily see, is totally beyond my meagre abilities. Good luck playing this excellent skill which seems very faithful to the US TV show.
For our visually-impaired listeners, in this additional episode Randy and Jason give us a brief demo of the updated Alexa app with new calling features using the built-in screen-reader; VoiceOver.
In this episode, the first contributed by you fab listeners to Dot to Dot, Randy Rusnak (@Thebigr on Twitter) and Jason Castonguay (@Jcast) take us through the new built-in capabilities of the Echo to do voice calls, voice messaging and texts. Please send them a tweet to tell them what stars they are.
Love it or hate it you just can’t ignore it (not if you live in Europe anyway). Personally I love it. Only a few short days to go before the spectacle begins and the UK inevitably comes last. 12 points go to this skill!
After mentioning in todays episode my favourite line of author Douglas Adams, I went and dug out the first ever (and only) recording I made with the iOS app Songify. I spoke the phrase just once into the app and pressed play and this is what I got back. I never used the app again as, well, how can you top that??
On this day in 2001 the much loved author of the Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series, Douglas Adams, died aged only 49. In this episode we pay tribute to his works with no fewer than four skills; Radio Hitch-Hiker’s Guide, Marvin the Depressed Android, Unofficial Douglas and My Ching. Apologies for the audio quality in part of the episode - no idea what went on there.
This fascinating skill convinced me beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’m not worthy to be a UK citizen. I wouldn’t even pass the entrance exam.
In this additional episode I repeat the invitation for anyone to contribute a demo - even Alexa’s getting sick of my voice. Please just send your suggestions or contributions to robin.christopherson@gmail.com. I also repeat my shameless request for reviews on iTunes and shares on social media. The threat still dangles…
This skill guarantees to improve your likelihood of surviving a zombie apocalypse by a minimum of 12%. Thus I would strongly recommend that nobody pass up the opportunity of learning everything that this skill has to offer before it’s too late.
If you want to know how to clean various dirty things around your home then today’s skill is for you. Finally invite friends round after putting into practice this virtual old lady’s sage suggestions.
Today we look at a skill which will serve as a handy reference guide whenever you watch something that includes a Londoner speaking the vernacular. And you’re wrong if you think that Cockney rhyming slang is well and truly brown bread - it aint mate.
Learn how to defeat any number of foes both real or fantastic with a variety of household objects (or more conventional weapons if you prefer) with today’s skill; Combat. No actual creatures were harmed in the making of this episode.
Thith epithode ith all about Thtar Warth. Ahem. We’ll look at how Alexa can now play Star Wars music, tell Star Wars jokes and which is better; Star Wars or Star Trek?
This is a groovy skill to compliment the radio stations provided by TuneIn. Supposing to have a more local leaning, I’ll let you decide for yourself.
Today we look at a skill that can provide valuable advice in the event of everyday accidents such as sprains, burns, broken bones and nosebleeds. It doesn’t cover CPR and I’m still looking for a good skill that does, but the ones I’ve found all have slightly different advice so I’m still a bit confused. This is normal.
We’re all supposed to breathe from our bellies, so listen very carefully to today’s skill and learn how it’s done.
I apologise in advance for today’s Driving Directions skill which only applies to the UK, and then probably only to people who live in small villages. After that we look at how much Alexa knows about nearby businesses, their contact info and opening times.
Are you a Star Trek fan? Do you like hearing facts from nerds on topics you’re interested in? If so then stop wriggling for a second and I’ll beam you up.
Today’s skill is a doozy. It’s another choose-your-own adventure story but with considerable attitude. Can you find Nora Langford before the bad guys do? BTW still not enough reviews to go through with my threat to post two-a-day for a week so if you have a mo please go to iTunes and give DTD a rating.
If you like James Bond films then you’ll love this quiz. And if, like me, you don’t know the first thing about half the films then you’ll still like it because it has summaries of each movie too. Licensed to entertain.
In this episode we look at another skill that gives you an insight into what happened on a given day going back deeper and deeper over the years. Phew - what a lot’s gone on!
In today’s episode we take a look at a skill that will give you all sorts of wholesome advice about living a healthier life. Prepare to be inspired and informed to achieve even greater heights of healthiness.
Today we’re taking a look at the skill that turns your Echo into an irascible cat (guaranteed to drive all dogs within earshot totally up the wall) as well as the soothing sound of a crackling fire brought to you by another ambient noise-generating skill.
There’s a lot of sky up there and a lot of stuff going on in it (especially if you live in England) and the Big Sky skill will help you make the most of it with to-the-minute, hyperlocalised, weather info. BTW still no stars on iTunes but the threat of double-posting for a week still looms…
If you would like hair that positively tops the rest then this skill is for you. Thanks to these tips my hair is never unruly, flyaway or out of control. It just sits there on my head behaving itself.
Like maths (note the ’s’) yes or no? Yes? Good, let’s go. No? Feel free to reclaim 7mins and 3secs of your life by skipping this one.
In this additional episode I mention a couple of new tips for built-in A-lady functionality and unashamedly plug the excellent Maccessibility podcast. Subscribe through any podcatching app, iTunes or by going to Maccessibility.net.
In this episode we get an update on the 7 Minute Workout skill, look at Train Me and also a secret bonus skill that is also completely and entirely training related… honest.
Did you know that the first person fined for speeding in the UK was Walter Arnold in 1896 who was travelling at 8mph in a 2mph area? Me niether - until I used the History Hit skill that is. BTW still intend to carry out my threat to put up two episodes a day if people rate DTD on iTunes - thanks.
Today we look at the Guessing Game skill - probably one of the most stupid skills yet (and that’s saying something). Pit your general knowledge wits against this trivia multiple choice game with mostly random/bonkers answers.
In this episode we look at some new features including the ability to unlock Easter eggs by solving a small puzzle or two and how to get a quick sports update of your favourite teams. Apologies if you already spotted the Easter egg mention in your weekly Echo email - this episode was recorded before Friday. BTW we still need more reviews on iTunes for me to carry out my threat to publish two episodes a day for a week so please do rate DTD when you have a mo.
Come with me to the foggy and everso-slightly-American version of Baker Street where we begin another intriguing adventure with the famous detective and his faithful partner. Pipe not provided.
In this episode we look at a second Dr. Who skill which tests our knowledge of the well-known television series. Hope you do better than I do in another spectacular general knowledge catastrophe.
In this episode we look at two skills to help you be a bit more active every day. Walk More will provide useful tips to help you, well, walk more whilst Running Guru may even inspire you to break into a run. Then reward yourself with doughnuts.
Want to know whether today is the right day to make a major decision or try a double backflip? If so then the Biorhythm skill will tell you just how rash a choice that might be. We also look at the Health Nut skill which will tell you exactly how many bones you’ll break in your foot if you land badly.
Let’s go waaaay back through the mists of time to see what happened on any given day with this groovy History Wizard skill. I miss nostalgia.
Today I’ll show you how you can now play this podcast on your Echo - although Alexa will be triggered left, right and centre without taking precautions. I also come cap-in-hand and ask that you rate Dot to Dot on iTunes pretty please with red Jelly Babies stuck on top.
In this episode we look at the new Grand Tour features now available on your Echo - there’s a lovely new alarm sound to shout you out of bed and the Grand Tour skill to quiz you on the series and unlock bonus content.
A feature that’s new this week is the ability for Alexa to read your Kindle books. You can now pick a book from your library and listen, knowing that your place will be saved even when you switch between books. Say hello to really affordable reading on your Echo.
In this episode we look at a cool geography-related skill. See if your talents in this area are as lamentable as mine - or are you a geography quiz whizz?
Today we look at two skills; the first will undoubtedly help you become at least twice as beautiful (unless that’s not practically possible as you’re too close to perfection already) and the second will help whiten those teeth after yesterday’s coffee.
If you’re like me and don’t know your macchiato from your mochaccino then this episode’s for you. We’ll look at the excellent Coffee Chef skill, topping it off with a lovely creamy dollop that is the recommendation for the quick, easy and cheap coffee maker; the Aerobie Aeropress.
In this slightly sunny, slightly creepy, episode we check out the built-in singing skills of Alexa and then a humming skill which sounds spookily like the A-lady herself.
Come along for the ride as you explore the mysterious house and its subterranean environs. Ignore Barry - he’s just grouchy.
In this episode we look at the skill called One Liners which does pretty much what it says on the tin; if it’s a tin labeled ‘One Liners’ containing a mixture of pretty good jokes that each include only one full-stop, that is.
In this episode (the last now until Christmas I’m afraid) we look at the April-fool-related features of Alexa and also touch upon tomorrow’s almost-certainly-ill-fated Oxford-Cambridge boatrace. What a lot of hyphens! Bye for now and “Merry Christmas!”
With no political agenda whatsoever I bring you Crazy Trump Facts. if anyone can find me an equivalent for other presidents I’d be happy to feature it. In the meantime enjoy or endure this skill.
Need a nap? Seeking some sounds to soothe you to sleep? If so then this skill should provide everything you need - so long as you’re able to snooze within range of your Echo that is.
This episode’s skill is all about times tables. Like ‘em or loath ‘em you can’t live without ‘em. See if you can get past level 1 (out of 10!!)
In this episode we look at two skills that, if you’re anything like me, will show you how little you know about music. In the first we have to guess the band from the title of the song, and the second gives us some lyrics from which we guess the song. Simple - if you know your stuff that is.
In today’s episode we look at a word-related skill that will test your vocabulary, or guessing skills, to the very limit. Feeling erudite? If not are you feeling very brainy? Good - let’s go.
Let’s dip into the rich archives of these old-time radio mysteries immortalised in this skill. Sit back and prepare to be entertained.
In this episode we look at a skill called On My Way which is very similar to the National Rail skill reviewed previously - if a little more sophisticated. In fact I’d say it was just the ticket if you’re planning on travelling by train in the UK any time soon.
Two skills today based on guessing. Guess My Age will amaze and astound (small children who don’t know any better)and Guess My Number is your basic higher-lower but still a bit of fun.
Prepare to be scared half out of your wits - but only if you are already 49/50 out of them already. Grab a cocoa and settle down for another mildly disturbing episode.
If you have an Audible account then you can play your books through the Echo. You can skip forward and back by various amounts including chapter. Enjoy.
If you’ve recently tried to play Twenty Questions and found it gone then take heart - it’s back. Sort of.
In this episode we take a look at a truly frightening skill called Dinosaur Facts and Sounds - ooer.
This is episode 50 so please tell your friends with a tiny little tweet. Birds are, after all, the dinosaurs still among us. If you use the hashtag #Echomagic I’ll be sure to spot it and give a tiny little hoot like a Consognathus.
In this episode we look at a really nice skill where you have to guess animals starting with a certain letter against the clock and against Alexa.
If you’re liking these demos or have any suggestions please tweet me at USA2DAY
In case you want a little more St. Patrick goodness, this episode looks at the tips provided by Amazon to ‘help you get your green on’.
Unsurprisingly you can buy things from Amazon using your Amazon Echo. In fact it’s awesomely easy - perhaps too easy - but you do have 30mins to cancel…
Steve Jobs could be pretty inspiring, and this skill is brimming over with choice excerpts from key motivational speaches by a number of such people. Stir your heart into action each day with a bit of inspiration.
OK, undoubtedly the most stupid skill yet (and that’s saying something), Elf Name Generator will bestow upon you your new name which anyone overhearing will probably then use from now on - so be warned.
In this episode we look at a great skill called Beat the Intro. Containing two separate games; Six Pack and Triple Play, your song-spotting skills will be stretched to the limit.
Do you dare try to find a way out of the dangerous field? Ooooh, it’s scary. Actually it’s just stupid - but I like it.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what those mumbled lyrics to your favourite songs were then this skill is for you.
In this episode we look at three groovy animal-related skills; Animal Quiz, Baby Animals and Fun Animal Facts.
If you’re into Dr Who then this is the skill for you. If you’re not then you can still enjoy me being hopeless at it as I’m certainly not very familiar with this cult series as I should be myself.
In this episode we look at the built-in capability of Alexa to give you match times and scores in the UK and across Europe, and then we look at the Football on TV skill which will help you find out where to watch them.
We could all do with slowing down from time to time - even if it’s just for one minute. In this episode we look at a skill that offers a number of relaxing minute-long meditations that might help.
This time we look at a truly fantastic skill called Translate It. Not only can you ask for translations into one of several dozen languages, but Alexa magically changes her accent to give you the best pronunciation.
In this episode we cover four extremely simple skilss that give you nice, soothing sounds to help you work, rest or play; a thunderstorm, ocean, babbling brook and birdsong.
In this episode we look at the skill called Animal Game - it’s like the Twenty Questions skill but just for animals. Which of the two skils is able to put their digital finger on a virtual hippo?
In this episode we look at two skills; the first is Crown Quiz in which I show how little I know about our countries monarchs and the second is Queen Facts which might not be exactly what you think…
In this episode we look at another fantasy adventure game called Shadow Realm. Not as rich as RuneScape perhaps, but still lots of fun.
This episode is for everyone interested in looking up at the night sky. The Astronomy Guide skill tells you what to look out for on a given night, or just whether the sky will be clear for a star-gazing party.
In this episode we look at using the built-in weather function, as well as the Wind Report, Couch Potato and Weather Facts skills.
In this episode we look at some handy tips on working with the timers and alarms features built in to your Echo.
In this episode we look at two skills that should appeal to HP fans everywhere. The first is a quiz to test your knowledge of all seven books plus the recent Cursed Child, and the second is a sorting ceremony skill that will put you in yor place.
This excellent skill allows you to peruse your favourite stories from The Guardian and have them read to you. Easily find and listen to news, film reviews, sport stories and podcasts in areas that interest you.
In this episode I demonstrate how you can fill in the gaps in Alexa’s Prime music library by adding your own tunes. By the way, if you like my little podcast I’d really appreciate a mention on Twitter so I know you’re out there - I’m @USA2DAY and thanks muchly.
Do you know a cuckoo from a Canada Goose or a pigeon from a puffin? I certainly don’t but might do one day with the help of this excellent Birdsong skill.
This time we look at getting Alexa to roll dice and toss coins to help with games we may be playing with friends, and then at the topic-choosing skill to help us play the popular long-running Radio 4 game Just a Minute.
In this episode we look at the handy UK TV Guide skill that’ll provide info on what’s on now as well as up-coming shows on all the freeview channels including, bizarrely enough, radio.
In this episode we get two for the price of one. First is a verbal version of Simon Says and the second a trip down memory lane, featuring a single clip from each year that captures the zeitgeist.
In this episode we take a look at the Mini Chef skill that provides ingredients and cooking instructions for oodles of dishes - happy cooking!
In this episode we look at two great skills to do with wordplay - Word Associations for the quick thinker and Palindromes to twist your thoughts backwards.
In this episode we look at how we can enhance the calendar capabilities of our Echo with this handy scheduling skill that’s free to use for individuals.
In this episode we look at the out of this world Space Station skill and then finish off with my suggestion for the best flash briefing.
Whether it will make you weep, laugh or gird your loins for war it might be that you are interested in hearing the latest tweet from the US’ 45th president…
This UK-only skill quickly gives you details of times and delays for your daily commute, or specify another departure and destination to get info on other up-coming services.
In this episode we look at the compelling audio adventure game RuneScape. Based upon the popular graphical online roll-play of the same name, this version is definitely not for younger children.
In this episode we look at a completely daft skill that tells bizarre bedtime stories to a named person.
In this episode we cover a quick tip about setting up a commute by car and asking Alexa to let us know how long it should take based on current levels of traffic.
In this episode we look at the (possibly obvious) fact that you can play music or other media whilst at the same time using skills.
This episode includes a tip about how to make sure you can access the media you’re after. Sometimes it’s a bit tricky until you’ve tuned in to the way it’s done.
In this episode we explore how asking Alexa for interesting facts can give a better class of trivia. Just be sure not to ask for another one unless you’re in a funny mood.
Did you know that you can add and review your appointments with Alexa’s built-in calendar? In this episode we look at the uses, and limitations, of this handy feature.
In this episode we take a look at the amazing skill that is Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. See if you can beat me by finding an actor that’s separated by more than 3 degrees from the prolific Kevin.
Did you know that you can connect your phone to your Echo and use it as a Bluetooth speaker? In this episode we look at how you can use voice commands to play media from another device.
In this episode we play a quick and easy trivia game that will help you to learn your capital cities. Easy that is unless you’re a complete dullard like me.
In this episode we look at the skill that gives you real-time data about all UK bus stops. Fiddly to set up but once it is you’re good to go.
In this episode we look at a game called Twenty Questions which is a breathtakingly insightful skill created by Amazon. Amaze yourself and your friends when she reads your mind.
In this episode we put the Chef skill through its paces. It can suggest substitute ingredients when we don’t have the right one and can also convert cups measures to grams or ounces.
In this episode we’ll look at a sneaky tip for how to use Wikipedia to get more information than Alexa would usually provide.
In this first episode we look at the interactive adventure game skill The Magic Door. With great sound effects and querky gameplay it’s a good place to get this new shiny podcast-ball rolling.