Easter Eggs have been hidden within software since the dawn of computing. Bored developers often like to hide such nuggets in plain sight. The core design of Alexa, making use of voice commands, lends itself well to funny and entertaining tricks. In this article, we will uncover some of the coolest and funniest Alex tricks. All of them are built into Alexa as standard, so there is no need to enable any special skills. If you can’t find a trick that you like amongst our list, just make one up, there is a good chance Alexa will have witty response!
Games and Exercise
The Amazon Alexa is designed to be expanded with additional Games and Skills. Chatting with Alexa is a great way to play social games with all the family and as an icebreaker at parties. Games therefore make up some of the coolest Alexa features. These built in games require no extra installation.
“Alexa, roll a 15-sided dice.”
Have you ever needed to pick a lucky number but have no dice to hand? Alex can now do it for you with her virtual die. Just tell her how many-sided dice you want to throw and get an instant result. Note if you don’t state the number of sides, she will assume a standard 6-sided dice.
“Alexa, give me a 5-minute workout.”
Remember the days of Mr Motivator, when you got a free workout off the TV? Well, now you can ask Alexa to do it any time of the day! Helping to work on your core and cardio, this daily routine will quickly help you get fit and healthy.
“Alexa, where is Santa?”
Making use of NORADs Santa tracking service, this skill is best used over the Christmas period. Up to date progress allow you and the kids to track his journey over the night sky.
“Alexa, play rock, paper, scissors.”
The perfect way to make a decision when home alone. Play rock paper scissors with Alexa!
“Alexa, play twenty questions.”
A built-in game of skill, this is one of Alexa’s more comprehensive off the shelf skills. Lots of fun for all the family, you will never get bored.
Nostalgia
Alexa not only controls your home and music; she has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of TV and Movies. Using this knowledge to great effect with her almost human sensor of humour has resulted in some very cool Alexa tricks.
“Alexa, talk like Yoda.”
For the Star Wars fans out there, this funny Yoda parody will bring a smile to your face. A number of phrases make this a regular for the kids to keep calling.
“Alexa, I have a cunning plan.”
For diehard Blackadder fans, this fun little trick will remind you of some of the funniest lines from this classic TV show. A perfect trick to call when the family gathers at Christmas.
“Alexa, winter is coming.”
Favourite quotes from the Game of Thrones TV show are rotated to avoid hearing the same phrase twice in a row.
Alexa, open the pod bay doors.”
One for the geeks amongst us. This reference to the classic movie “2001: A Space Odyssey” will entertain hard core science fiction fans.
“Alexa, up up down down left right left right b a start.”
Known as the Konami code, this common cheat code was king during the 1980’s. Now memorialised as a fun Alexa trick, your mind will be cast back to the days of early gaming.
“Alexa, I am your father.”
Another favourite for Star Wars fans. This old chestnut will soon become tiring.
“Alexa, hello HAL.”
Another trick for the die-hard science fiction fans. Alexa is HAL.
“Alexa, the Dude abides.”
This quick trick will warm the hearts of The Big Lebowski fans.
Jokes and Chat
For those wanting a few moments of companionship, Alexa comes to the rescue with a wide range of jokes and phrases. These funny Alexa tricks will have you in stitches.
“Alex, Knock Knock.”
Classic “Knock Knock” jokes for any occasion are bound to have you reminiscing about a simpler time. We’re not quite sure how many she knows, but she’s kept us guessing for the last 10 minutes!
“Alexa, tell me my horoscope.”
For those who believe in the moon and stars, this trick is perfect for you. Start the day with your horoscope expertly predicted by Alex.
“Alexa, drum roll please.”
Perfect for introducing the star of a birthday party, this fun little trick does exactly what it says on the tin.
“Alexa, what is the meaning of life?”
One for the Philosopher’s out there. A mixture of zany and sometimes serious answers to the ultimate question. An answer for everybody exists if only you ask enough times.
“Alex, do you know Siri?”
A quick one liner that doesn’t change, you are likely to be bored after asking this for the second time. Perhaps you should see what Siri’s reaction is to the same question?
“Alexa, tell me a story.”
It’s not quite obvious where these stories come from, but it’s definitely not J.K. Rowling. If you want some semi random background chatter going on, these stories may be for you.
“Alexa, cheer me up.”
A nice little collection of anecdotes and facts, that will indeed cheer you up! It will take a while before you hear the same one twice.
“Alexa, sing a song.”
A fun little song to cheer you up is perfect, if you are willing to listen to a synthetic robot singing. However, you may be better off asking Alexa to play a song from your collection for a real pick-me-up.
“Alexa, rap for me.”
You’ll either love it or hate it. The developers who wrote this trick’s raps are unlikely to be winning a Grammy anytime soon! A favourite with the kids, this feature can be entertaining for those with a certain taste.
“Alexa, can you beatbox?”
Even scarier than Alexa rapping, she is unlikely to be winning any awards in this genre either.
“Alexa, I’m home.”
For anyone feeling a little lonely, Alexa can greet and say goodbye. Rambling conversation may ensue, but if you bought Alexa as your new best friend, then great!