Alexa is getting better and better at understanding and answering questions every day using its AI. Reportedly, Alexa now is able to answer 72.5% of questions correctly. This functionality is great relative to other competitors and has probably made your life much easier, but you may be wondering what happens to Alexa when the power goes out?
Alexa will not function if the power goes out. Amazon Alexa enabled devices require a continuous power supply from the wall outlet for these devices to function. The Alexa enabled devices require a continuous power supply to connect to Wi-Fi and subsequently to process voice commands.
If you are not tech-savvy but your home has Amazon Echo, Dot, or Echo Plus then probably you are aware of Alexa. Alexa is a virtual assistant AI developed by Amazon.
Alexa is a great productivity AI tool that comes installed on several gadgets. Alexa-enabled devices are among the most popular in the market today. You may be wondering how Alexa keeps getting smarter or how it works at all. To answer this we need to dive into deep learning which is how Alexa works.
How does Alexa work?
Alexa is the name of Amazon’s virtual assistant which functions similarly, albeit typically better than, Siri from Apple, or the Google assistant. Amazon has integrated Alexa with most of its smart home products such as Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Spot, Echo Show, or Amazon Fire TV and other services.
Generally, Amazon developers say that Amazon developed Alexa Voice Services (AVS) in the cloud to interact with the user in basic human language. For example you can activate Alexa by calling its name.
Even though Alexa is the official name of this Amazon’s voice assistant, you can also change its name to words like “Amazon”, “echo” or “computer” which is a wonderful feature if you are weirded out by Alexa.
The way you interact with Alexa is largely conversational and it can answer questions like: “Hey Alexa, what’s the weather today?”. When you ask Alexa a question like this you are actually asking questions to the Amazon Alexa service (Echo).
At a high level Alexa answers your questions by listening to your voice commands and converting them into text. Technically, this functions on a simple voice to text mechanism. Alexa then takes that text query and asks the Amazon servers for an answer which comes back as a text answer. Once Alexa has the text answer the Echo converts that text to audio and plays your answer off of its built in speakers.
This is how any smart voice assistant works. Alexa has a small processor, a microphone and a speaker. The small processor essentially converts text to audio and vice versa plus does some small random tasks like playing music.
When you wake up the service with the word “Alexa”, it will start recording your commands and when you stop speaking, it sends the recording to the Amazon servers.
Essentially, it’s a programmable device that works with smart bulbs and smart devices as well. And the great thing is you just have to pay for the device and the services are FREE.
Alexa during Power Outage
Soon we will dive deeper into using ‘Alexa during power outage’. But before that lets see why we should know the Alexa state during a power outage.
As smart home enthusiasts, we are used to using the latest technology and we eagerly wait for any new trend that might help to level up our productivity. Here are some other recommended third-party devices that can pair up with the Amazon Alexa: Ecobee Switch and Smart Light Switch, the cool LG InstaView refrigerator, and Sonos One speaker.
Some other home products that work with Alexa include Speakers and Smart displays, Alexa-compatible lights (Phillips hue is one of the most versatile lighting systems with great LED power), smart plugs, thermostats, smart locks, security cameras, external A/V speakers, and more.
Now let’s talk about Amazon Echo in a power outage. Unfortunately, Amazon Echo doesn’t work without being plugged into the power outlet. If the power goes out or the Echo gets unplugged, your Amazon Echo goes down. Along with the continuous power, these devices also need to be connected to the WiFi.
During a power outage, the processor that is inside Speaker will be unable to process instructions or connect to the WiFi. When it fails to reach the Internet, it is unable to send your request to the Amazon server and won’t get an answer. Basically, the Echo cannot process or fetch answers for the instructions you give during a Power outage.
If you want to experience the Echo devices during a power outage, then you can try Amazon Tap or you can go with an external backup battery which fits into Amazon Echo devices. These external batteries allow your Echo to work without being plugged into the power outlet to a certain extent.
Amazon tap is just like Echo but Wireless which means it doesn’t need to plug into a power source and can give you around 9 hours of functionality without being plugged in.
Does Amazon Tap power off automatically when not in use at night?
The difference with Amazon tap and Amazon echo speaker is its wake up mechanism. You cannot wake up the Amazon tap with the Word. You have to press the button on the Amazon tap to interact with the Alexa. After a few minutes of non-use mode, the Amazon tap will enter into sleep mode. However, if it is playing music, it won’t turn off automatically.
How do you reset Alexa after a power outage?
If you want to manually reset Alexa 2nd & 3rd Generation Echo after power outage then you have to press and hold the Microphone off and Volume down buttons at the same time for 20 seconds until the light turns orange.
After a while, the orange light will turn into Blue. Wait for the light to turn off and On again and then it will light up Orange. The device is now in setup mode. You can now set up the device as you did originally using the smartphone app.
To reset the first-generation Echo device, follow the same steps but using the reset button at the base of the device.
How can I be notified if my power goes out?
Power outages are a pain, especially if you are listening to music from power-dependent devices like Amazon Alexa. Arranging a UPS for power backup might be the right solution but what if you want security from a potential power outage. Some UPS systems can even send you a notification of a power outage even when you are away from home.
If you are concerned about power outages when you are out of your home then iSocket 3G – a power outlet, is a great solution. iSocket systems developed this product which will text you when the power goes out. This device will be most useful gadget if you really need to monitor a power outage at your home. This power outlet uses a cellular radio, battery, and a SIM card to send alerts to your email and phone when there is an outage.
Do Echo Alarms Timers Work During A Network Or Power Outage?
The Echo alarm is basically an Amazon Echo that has alarm functionalities. According to t3sb’s experiment, “A previously set Echo alarm will sound at the scheduled time during a network outage“.
The alarms will be stored locally as well as in the cloud so that there will an active sound. If the alarms are set before a power outage, the Echo’s internal clock will be restored from the cloud after power returns. Echo can perform limited instructions locally when there is a network outage but it still needs power.
The Echo Spot is a smart alarm clock with Alexa that does not have battery backup. If there is a power outage, you cannot expect the Alarm. Once the power returns, all the scheduled alarms will set again automatically. You can also send the alarm to your phone as a backup if your phone is linked to the Echo Spot.
