Now You Can Tell Alexa to Forget Everything You Say

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 31, 2019

Worried about your smart home device collecting information? Now you can just tell Alexa to forget it all. Like a memory-zapping flash from the Men In Black, all you have to do is say “Alexa, delete everything I said today.”

Once you say the magic words, Alexa will wipe all recordings made from midnight that day until the moment right before you issue the command. The new function is part of an effort to push for greater privacy for consumers, so that they can enjoy the benefits of having a smart home assistant without any fear over privacy.

photo: Courtesy of Amazon

The new function come-on the heels of Amazon’s announcement of the Echo Show 5 smart-screen device, which is equipped with a physical cover for it’s forward-facing camera. This allows the device to still listen for wake word “Alexa” but disconnects the microphone and camera from functioning.

Amazon also announced that it will be making it easier for users to access privacy settings by grouping Alexa settings into an online Alexa Privacy Hub. The controls will also continue to be available in Amazon’s Alexa apps.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Amazon Just Launched a Free Music Service to Rival Spotify & Alexa–Play Music

The Ultimate List of Things Your Kids Can Ask Amazon Alexa

You Can Build Your Own Working Droids with This New LEGO Star Wars Set

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 4, 2019

In honor of Star Wars Day aka “May the 4th” LEGO has just unveiled a new, epic addition to its Star Wars line. The new LEGO Star Wars Boost Droid Commander Set lets master builders create and take control of their very own droids.

The new 1,177 piece set combines classic LEGO construction with an innovative app that allows builders to program and command their creations. The set provides enough bricks to build not one, but three different programmable droids, as well as a color and distance sensor, interactive motor and Bluetooth, all of which allow the LEGO droids to come to life.

The three droids include a seven-inch R2-D2, a LEGO Gonk Droid and a LEGO Mouse Droid. Each droid has it’s own distinct personality and Star Wars sounds and music.

The free LEGO Boost Star Wars app connects mini master builders to the Bluetooth enabled droids and allows you to command them through over 40 different challenges with easy to use drag-and-drop coding.

The new set will launch across the globe on Sep. 1, 2019, timed to the upcoming release of the final installment in the Skywalker saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The set will be available in stores and online for $199.99.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

The New LEGO Education Sets That’ll Turn Your Kids Into Future Engineers

This Epic New LEGO Star Wars Set Celebrates a Match Made in Brick Heaven

Worried About Privacy From Amazon’s Alexa? These Easy Settings Will Ease Your Mind

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 15, 2019

Digital assistant devices, like Amazon’s Echo, can be a useful household tool when all you have to do is command it with your voice, but is Alexa listening to everything you say?

A recent Bloomberg report revealed that Amazon employees listen to voice recordings captured by the Echo speaker in order to calibrate and improve Alexa’s programming. The news of course raised privacy concerns for customers who would prefer not to have their conversations recorded.

photo: Courtesy of Amazon

The truth is, however, as an Amazon spokesperson explained to TODAY, that the Echo only records world spoken when Alexa is issued a verbal command. In other words, unless you use your wake word, like “Alexa” or “Echo” the Echo will not record or send any audio or data to the cloud. Only a small amount of recorded data is actually reviewed by employees and there is never any information linking the recording the identity of the customers, an Amazon spokesperson explained to Bloomberg.

“Privacy and security are first and foremost super important to us,” Amazon vice president of Alexa experience Toni Reid told NBC News in November. “We take it very seriously. We design it into our products from the beginning.”

If the idea of being recorded regardless makes you uncomfortable, there is an easy fix to disable the function. Simply follow these steps:

Open the Alexa app on your phone.
Tap the menu button on the top left of the screen.
Select “Alexa Account.”
Choose “Alexa Privacy.”
Select “Manage how your data improves Alexa.”
Turn off the button next to “Help Develop New Features.”
Turn off the button next to your name under “Use Messages to Improve Transcriptions.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Help the Environment with This Awesome Amazon Hack—& Make a Little Cash, Too

Here’s How Amazon Prime Members Can Get Free Nintendo Switch Games

Here’s Why Your Kid’s Dinosaur Obsession Is a Good Thing (According to Science)

by Erica LoopMarch 29, 2019

We all know that kids who are obsessed with dinosaurs can get kind of intense when it comes to all things paleo (the subject, not the diet). Even though this intense interest may seem like a distraction, it’s actually beneficial for your child’s development. Here’s what science has to say about it.

Preschoolers and paleontology practically go hand-in-hand. Your kiddo might not remember where they put their left shoe, but they certainly know the names of every dino that has ever walked the Earth, like, ever. While children have all kinds of intense interests, dinosaurs are one of the most popular among the pre-K set—with it comes developmental bonuses.

photo: Eddie Kopp via Unsplash

In an interview with CNN, paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara talked about young children and their intense interest for all things dino: “I think for many of these children, that’s their first taste of mastery, of being an expert in something and having command of something their parent or coach or doctor doesn’t know.” Lacovara added, “It makes them feel powerful. Their parent may be able to name three or four dinosaurs and the kid can name 20, and the kid seems like a real authority.”

What does this mean for your pint-sized paleontologist? To start with, the seemingly outlandish obsession with dinosaurs isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually beneficial! So go ahead and encourage paleo play. And don’t worry too much if your kiddo’s dino crush starts wavering over time. It happens.

Whether your child has an “intense interest” in dinosaurs or is just a part-time fan, it’s all in good STEM fun. From building academic basics to encouraging exploration, STEM play can help your preschooler right now and for years to come.

—Erica Loop

Does “Sesame Street” Make Kids Smarter? New Research Weighs In

Has Screen Time Gone Up Among Babies? A New Study Says It Doubled

7 Clever Google Home Kids Games & Hacks for a Jolly Holiday

by Shahrzad WarkentinDecember 4, 2018

Parents could always use some assistance keeping kids entertained, especially during the holiday season when school’s out. These awesome new Google Home hacks have arrived just in time to help you keep the season magical—and even teach your kids a thing or two.

Photo: Paul Agrusti via YouTube

Find out where jolly old St. Nick is flying—or just have a chat with him.

Ask Google to “Call Santa” to make sure you’re still on the nice list or “Track Santa” to find out how close he is to making the magical delivery at your house before you go to sleep.

Fa la la your heart out with holiday tunes.

Nothing gets you pumped for the party like some festive tunes. Play your favorite holiday songs using music apps like Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Music. Just say, “Ok Google, play Hanukkah music” or “Ok Google, play Christmas music.”

Make story time sparkle for the season.

With Disney read-alongs you can make bedtime stories merry, even when you’re exhausted. Just ask Google to read the new Mickey’s Christmas Carol or any of the other Disney stories.

Give your kids the gift of manners.

Google’s new “pretty please” feature teaches kids to say “please” and “thank you” to their Google devices, giving them plenty of practice to make the nice list.

Photo: Courtesy of Google

Stay on schedule during the crazy holiday season.

When schools out and there’s a holiday event nearly every day it can be hard to maintain your normal schedule. Google can help by keeping track of your routines for you. When it’s time for dinner, for example, just say “Hey Google, dinner’s ready” and Assistant can turn on your favorite music, turn off the TV, and broadcast “dinner time!” to everyone in the house.

Make ’em laugh!

Google is always happy to tell you a good joke and now Google is adding some holiday-themed laughs. All you have to do is say “Google tell me a Santa joke” and you’ll be rolling like a bowl full of jelly.

Keep the kids happy all season long.

With party guests on the way and a house decorated in toddler-style, you could use a little help keeping the kids entertained while you actually get something done. At your command Google can roll out games and trivia the whole family will enjoy including new Disney-themed games like, Toy Story Freeze Dance.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Google Wants to Make Your Commute to Work Even Easier

“Google, Tell Me Something Good” Is the Good News Fix You Need Right Now

“Alexa, Get Me a Donut” & 7 More Foods You Can Order by Voice

by Erica LoopSeptember 5, 2018

Alexa can do many things: tell your kids stories, play music and even settle arguments between siblings. Now you can order food with Alexa: all you need is an Amazon Alexa-enabled device (and an internet connection, of course) and you can order all the snacks, treats and groceries you need without ever having to lift a finger. Yay!

Dunkin’ Donuts

With the simple phrase, “Alexa, order from Dunkin’ Donuts,” and boom…donuts! Okay, okay. So it’s not exactly that easy. But you can kick off the entire virtual ordering process with this Alexa voice command.

To order through your Alexa-enabled device, you need to be a member of Dunkin’ Donuts’ DD Perks program. You also need to install the Dunkin’ Donuts skill on your device. After giving the voice command, you can choose from a previously visited Dunkin’ location, saved order and the type of pick-up you prefer. Pick-up options currently include in-store or drive-thru.

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

Domino’s Pizza

Oh, so you say you want pizza with your donuts? Well then install the Domino’s skill on your Alexa-enabled device. Just say, “Alexa, open Domino’s,” and connect to your chosen local Domino’s store. Not only can you order through your device, but Amazon’s Alexa will help you to track your pizza’s progress.

Pizza Hut

If you don’t have a local Domino’s, Pizza Hut also has an Alexa skill from which to order. With the command, “Alexa, open Pizza Hut,” a default payment method and a Pizza Hut account you can order a pizza loaded with your favorite toppings.

Denny’s

“Alexa, open Denny’s” kicks off your ability to order from your previously selected meals. Start with the Denny’s app or their website to create an initial order. Next time, Alexa can help you to re-order.

Sheetz

Sheetz is much more than just a place to fuel your car. Now you can fuel your belly with an Alexa-enabled device, a Sheetz account and a previous order. Give the, “Alexa, ask Sheetz to order my favorite,” a go and you’re done.

Wingstop

Mmm. Wings. “Alexa, ask Wingstop to order wings” will help you to order from your nearest Wingstop restaurant.

Whole Foods

Definitely one of the best perks of Amazon buying Whole Foods is that you can use your Prime membership and your Alexa device to make a shopping list, order your groceries with Alexa and get everything delivered to your house. Easy peezy!

Pumpkin Spice Anything

It’s that time of year, and you’re on the hunt for pumpkin spice EVERYTHING. Amazon wants to make it easy with their Pumpkin Spice Tracker Alexa skill. Start with, “Alexa, open pumpkin spice tracker,” continue with, “who has pumpkin spice?” or, “where can I get pumpkin spice?” and your your device will help you to find your next PS-whatever fix.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Patrick Fore via Unsplash

Science Thinks Your Child Might Need Alexa—& Alexa Might Need Your Kid, Too

Amazon’s Alexa Can Now Help You Settle Family Arguments

The Secret to Getting Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth for 2 Minutes (Every Time)

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 14, 2018

Do you dread the “c” word? Do you cringe when your dentist asks how often your kids brush? It’s hard enough getting tots to brush their teeth at all, but figuring out how to get your kids to brush their teeth for full two minutes is like, well… pulling teeth. Fret no more. A new handy Alexa trick is here to help.

If you want to make the brushing struggle much easier, all you need to do is ask Alexa for a little help. With the new Alexa Skill Chompers, kids will want to keep brushing those pearly whites all day long. Just give the command, “Alexa, start Chompers” and the whole family will be treated to a two-minute long show of interviews, jokes, riddles, silly songs and more.

Parents! This Saturday on @Chompers, we interview real-life astronaut @VicGlover and hear what it's really like to go to the bathroom in space. 🚀Blastoff with us by saying "Alexa, Start Chompers" to your @amazonecho device and make tooth time easy! pic.twitter.com/Ck81cosIdg

— Gimlet (@Gimletmedia) June 1, 2018

The show is designed to keep kids entertained while they brush for a full two minutes, which is the recommended brushing time given by the American Dental Association. Chompers is actually a podcast created by the same team behind Story Pirates, which means that each brushing session brings new guests and entertaining stories for little brushers.

Don’t have Amazon Echo? Don’t worry. Since the show is a podcast it can be accessed on a variety of platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Pixabay

Amazon Launches Kid-Friendly Version of Its Popular Echo Dot

Amazon’s New Echo Look Is Like Having a Personal Style Assistant in Your Closet

Mattel is Creating an At-Home Assistant Like Amazon’s Alexa, But For Kids

by Red TricycleSeptember 5, 2016

While the world knows the joy of ordering toilet paper by voice command thanks to Amazon’s Alexa, kids have been largely left out of the fun. In the growing field of voice assistants, Mattel is ready to take part. Meet Aristotle– the A.I. powered at-home monitoring device for kids.

Photo: Mattel’s nabi

It’ll answer your kid’s burning questions, play them music, work as a nightlight, and monitor them while you’re in the other room via the attached camera. You can even customize it for child interaction, such as requiring the word “please” in voice commands.

Parents can also order supplies from trusted retailers on the device, all while restricting purchasing capabilities so the kids can’t get carried away with the credit card.

“Raising kids can be hectic and we saw a need for an IoT (Internet of Things) system that simplifies the complex and dynamic lives of families, while providing them with peace of mind. Our goal with the launch of Aristotle is to provide parents with a platform that simplifies parenting, while helping them nurture, teach, and protect their young ones,” says Jim Mitchell, VP and GM of nabi, Mattel’s tech line for kids.

Aristotle is slated to hit stores this June and retail for about $300.

Will this be added to your shopping cart this summer? Tell us in the comments below!

Study Finds Controlling Parents Have Nonadaptive, Self-Critical Children

by Red TricycleJuly 26, 2016

Photo: Michael Bentley via Flickr

According to new research from the National University of Singapore, parents who pressure their children to become perfectionist and command overachievement end up scarring their offspring emotionally. In a five-year study of primary school children in Singapore, researchers found that children with controlling and intrusive parents are more likely to be overly critical of themselves, a problem that increases with age. This can lead to feeling depressed and anxious all the time.

The research was done from 2010 to 2014, with more than 300 primary-age kids in Singapore. The children came from 10 elementary schools and ages ranged from 7-10. One parent—whomever was considered more involved in the child’s life—was also included in the study.

In the first stage of the research, to determine how controlling parents were, the child was asked to solve a timed puzzle, and the parent could help as much or as little as they wanted. Following assessments were carried out at ages 8, 9, and 11, with parents, teachers and children all submitting various reports, which researchers used to determine how self-critical the children were. Children with more invasive parents were much more likely to start out self-critical and become even more so, said assistant professor and lead researcher Ryan Hong.

Mr. Hong says that even the kids who started out highly self-critical had higher levels of depression and anxiety while completing the assignments. “Children should be given a conducive environment to learn, and part of learning always involves making mistakes and learning from them. When parents become intrusive, they may take away this conducive learning environment,” he claimed.

Ryan Hong also mentions that if a child did not do as well as expected in a test, parents should refrain from blaming the child for not performing up to their expectations. Instead, parents should first praise the child for his/her achievements before turning to the mistakes.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

The Coolest Santa Tracker Since 1955

by Christal Y.December 5, 2015

NORAD’s Santa Tracker app has been updating children on Santa’s location since 1955. But did you know NORAD actually stands for U.S.-Canada North American Aerospace Defense Command? So how did a military agency get involved with making kids happy each December? Read on to discover the holiday story.

screenshot via noradsanta.org

All Because of a Misprinted Number
During Christmas, a Sears department store put in a newspaper ad urging kids to call Santa for a one-on-one conversation. The actual ad said,”Hey, Kiddies! Call me direct … Call me on my private phone and I will talk to you personally any time day or night.” Somehow that number was misprinted, and a child ended up calling U.S. Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, the director of operations at CONAD.

Shoup’s daughter remembers the story with a bit more detail, saying that her father first barked into the phone, demanding to know who was calling, which made sense as the hotline was for military emergencies only. More specifically, the landline was only meant to ring if Russians were attacking, so you can imagine the surprise on Col. Harry Shoup’s face when a crying voice asked if he was Santa’s elf!

Fortunately, not to ruin the holiday spirit, Col. Harry Shoup played along and even appointed a staff member to provide updates on Santa’s whereabouts on all future calls. Since then NORAD has relied on volunteers to help kids track Santa for 60 years from December 1st to the 25th. Visit the site to learn more!

App: Free on GooglePlay and iTunes
Online: noradsanta.org

Have you used a Santa Tracker before? Let us know how it went in the Comments below!

ML Interest Tag: command

Now You Can Tell Alexa to Forget Everything You Say

Related reads

You Can Build Your Own Working Droids with This New LEGO Star Wars Set

Related reads

Worried About Privacy From Amazon’s Alexa? These Easy Settings Will Ease Your Mind

Related reads

Here’s Why Your Kid’s Dinosaur Obsession Is a Good Thing (According to Science)

Related reads

7 Clever Google Home Kids Games & Hacks for a Jolly Holiday

Find out where jolly old St. Nick is flying—or just have a chat with him.

Fa la la your heart out with holiday tunes.

Make story time sparkle for the season.

Give your kids the gift of manners.

Stay on schedule during the crazy holiday season.

Make ’em laugh!

Keep the kids happy all season long.

Related reads

“Alexa, Get Me a Donut” & 7 More Foods You Can Order by Voice

Dunkin’ Donuts

Domino’s Pizza

Pizza Hut

Denny’s

Sheetz

Wingstop

Whole Foods

Pumpkin Spice Anything

Related reads

The Secret to Getting Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth for 2 Minutes (Every Time)

Related reads

Mattel is Creating an At-Home Assistant Like Amazon’s Alexa, But For Kids

Related reads

Study Finds Controlling Parents Have Nonadaptive, Self-Critical Children

Related reads

The Coolest Santa Tracker Since 1955

Related reads