Amazon is sending out emails to Amazon Echo owners alerting them that the connected speaker can now remotely control some WeMo and Philips Hue devices.
Specifically, the Amazon Echo allows owners to use their voice for controlling the Switch, Insight Switch, and Light Switch devices from WeMo and the Philips Hue A19, Lux, BR30, Bloom, and LightStrip light bulb. Amazon says:
You can now use Echo to switch on the lamp before getting out of bed, turn on the fan or heater while reading in your favorite chair, or dim the lights from the couch to watch a movie—all without lifting a finger…or even raising your voice.
To get started, connect your WeMo and Hue devices to your home Wi-Fi and name them in their respective app. Then say, “Alexa, discover my appliances.” After Echo’s confirmation, you can control your devices by voice.
Some of the commands Amazon suggests trying with the new WeMo and Philips Hue devices include, “Alexa, turn on the hallway light”, “Alexa, turn on the coffee maker”, “Alexa, dim the living room lights to 20%”, and “Alexa, turn on the electric blanket”.
Amazon added support for controlling streaming music services such as Spotify, iTunes, and Pandora in February. Amazon is still selling the Echo by invitation only for $199, or for $149 for Amazon Prime members.
Source: iMore