New Alexa and Siri tricks you need to try

February 18, 2017

By Ariyanna Norman, Komando.com

Amazon recently added a new “wake word” to help you get Alexa’s attention. The digital assistant answers to “Computer,” just like LCARS from “Star Trek.” I bet Trekkies took advantage of the change!

Nerds and geeks everywhere will love Alexa’s new vocabulary. The fact that Alexa is ever-present can be creepy so Amazon recently updated her lexicon with 100 new words in an effort to humanize her.

Are you a fan of the hit CBS comedy “The Big Bang Theory”? Alexa can say “Bazinga!” Do you like “The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”? Alexa knows the term “Cowabunga!” Is “Ka-Pow!” your favorite interjection from the 1960s Batman TV series? Alexa can say that too.

Note: While these phrases make Alexa more fun, they don’t necessarily make her more helpful. Read this list of useful Alexa commands that will help you get the most out of your digital assistant.

Speaking of Batman, Siri (Apple’s digital assistant) will roleplay with you as the Batcomputer speaking to Batman. According to MacRumors.com, the Batcomputer in “The Lego Batman Movie” is voiced by Siri. The film was recently released and this new Siri feature promotes it.

To use this feature, hold the home button down and address Siri as “Computer” of “‘Puter.” She’ll respond with phrases inspired by the movie. Here are just a few examples of things she might say.