Parents, it’s time to celebrate! Amazon has introduced a series of family-friendly features for Alexa that are sure to make your life easier. Gone are the days when children could simply command Alexa without a hint of politeness. With the latest updates, any command issued by a child that lacks the magic word “please” will be met with the prompt, “What’s the magic word?”
These updates come as part of a new feature called “FreeTime on Alexa,” which is available for free to all Alexa device owners. This functionality transforms the smart speaker into a safer and more kid-friendly experience, providing filters and tools for parents to monitor their children’s interactions with Alexa.
Key Features of FreeTime on Alexa
With FreeTime on Alexa, parents have the ability to set usage limits for their kids, restricting access during specific times such as homework, chores, and bedtime. Parents can easily disable any Alexa skills they don’t want their children to access. Music containing explicit lyrics can be automatically blocked, and any shopping on Amazon can be put on hold until parental approval is granted. Additionally, parents can review their children’s activity with the “Activity Review” feature, allowing them to listen to recordings of their kids’ commands.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of these updates is the “Magic Word” feature, which encourages kids to practice basic manners when making requests to Alexa. If a child forgets to say “please,” their command will simply be denied. No more learning that demanding behavior is acceptable—kids will have to remember their P’s and Q’s if they want to engage with Alexa.
Subscription Options
While FreeTime on Alexa is free, Amazon is also launching an “Unlimited” option for $3 a month for Prime members. This subscription includes 300 audiobooks for children, ad-free kids’ radio stations, and interactive activities from Nickelodeon, Disney, and National Geographic. Additionally, a new version of the Amazon Echo Dot designed specifically for children is available, featuring a durable outer casing, a two-year warranty, and a complimentary one-year subscription to FreeTime on Alexa Unlimited.
Conclusion
In a world where technology is ever-present in our children’s lives, it’s refreshing to see that it can also teach them the importance of manners. If you’re exploring other parenting topics, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys, where we delve into home insemination methods. For further insights into pregnancy and insemination options, consider visiting Cleveland Clinic’s resource on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, Amazon’s latest kid-friendly Alexa features promote respect and manners among children while providing parents with essential tools for monitoring and managing their kids’ interactions with technology.