Amazon Echo is a Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled smart speaker with "Alexa"-powered voice controls built right in. After launching late in 2014 as an invite-only product, Echo is now available to everybody on Amazon, and with a new open development kit for third-party device makers, it looks primed to play a growing role in the smart home. Click through to see everything Alexa can talk to -- and the integrations that are in the works, too.
Amazon Echo first dipped its toes into smart-home waters by integrating directly with a select number of popular third-party gadgets. The most notable was the Philips Hue line of color-changing LED light bulbs. Sync them up with Amazon's smart speaker, and you'll be able to tell Alexa to turn them on and off, or dim them up and down.
Updated:Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Colin West McDonald/CNET
You won't, however, be able to tell them to change colors (at least not yet). For that reason, syncing Alexa up with the white-light-only Philips Hue White bulbs might make more sense. And hey, they only cost $15 a piece.
Philips Hue isn't your only option for Echo-compatible lighting -- there's also Lifx, which makes color-changing LED bulbs with Wi-Fi smarts. Unlike Philips, Lifx offers a custom skill with extra controls -- including voice-activated color changes.
You don't need to buy new, third-gen Lifx bulbs in order to control their colors with Alexa -- the original Lifx and bulb and the second-gen Lifx Color 1000 LEDs work with Echo, too.
You can also sync Alexa up with the Haiku-branded lineup of connected ceiling fans and peripheral smart home gadgets offered from Big Ass Solutions, makers of the original "Big Ass Fan" and the Haiku L Series smart fan, pictured here. The company introduced Amazon Echo controls at CES in 2016.
Another product that Alexa can control right now is the Belkin WeMo Switch. Plug it in, then plug something else into it, and Alexa can turn it on or off at your command.
iHome is another smart plug-maker that offers Alexa compatibility. Its plugs also work with Apple HomeKit, so you can turn them on and off using Siri commands, too.
Ecobee is another big name in the smart thermostat game, and its newest offering, the Ecobee3 Lite, is one of our favorite Alexa-compatible smart climate gadgets.
Your other option? Pick up Tado, a smart controller for dumb air conditioners. It works like a relay -- you tell Alexa to turn the AC on, Alexa tells Tado to turn the AC on, and Tado tells your AC to turn itself on.
In addition to smart plugs, Belkin also makes an automatable WeMo Light Switch. If you're comfy with an installation that's a bit more hands-on, it's an easy way to smarten up a light fixture in your home. With Echo on board, you can let Alexa call the shots.
Updated:Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Colin West McDonald/CNET
Another Alexa-compatible smart switch option: Lutron's Caseta In-Wall Smart Dimmers. They cost more than WeMo, but we love the features and performance.
Once the lights are dimmed down low, you might feel like watching some Netflix. If you've got a Logitech Harmony Hub in your living room, you can just say, "Alexa, turn on Netflix."
Alexa can control entire smart home platforms, too. One example is SmartThings -- hook it up with Amazon Echo, and you can use Alexa to control anything in your setup.
Same goes for the Wink Hub, now in its second generation. If you're using it to control automated lights and switches, you'll be able to sync all of them with Alexa.
Securifi makes a smart router called Almond 3 that works with Alexa. Aside from turning paired lights and switches on and off, you can tell Alexa to kick the kids off the Wi-Fi at bedtime. Seriously.
That includes GE's Cafe Series fridge with a built-in Keurig coffeemaker. You can ask Alexa to start heating the water up so that it's ready for you to brew a quick cup.
Alexa also works with the Automatic connected car gadget, which plugs into your vehicle's onboard diagnostic port. Sync it up with Amazon Echo, and you'll be able to ask Alexa how much gas you've got in your tank, or even where you parked your car last.
So, you've just changed into your favorite pajamas on a cold winter's evening, and you're climbing into bed for a peaceful night's sleep. Suddenly, you realize you can't remember if you locked the front door or not. Fortunately, you've got the August Smart Lock and an Amazon Echo product in your bedroom, so you can just say "Alexa, lock the door." Nighty night.
Amazon Echo also has its own channel on IFTTT, a free online automation service. That makes it possible to craft automation "recipes" where Echo triggers other IFTTT-compatible smart gadgets and Web services.
Orange Chef is another name that Amazon is investing in. The product is a smart countertop that senses in ingredients and weighs your food as you're cooking. With Alexa on board, you'll be able to ask her about the nutritional content of whatever it is you're making.
Amazon's also backing development for Garageio, a smart gadget that lets you open and close your garage door from your phone. Connect it with Echo, and Alexa will take it from there.
Updated:Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Colin West McDonald/CNET
Moving forward, Amazon hopes that a growing number of third parties will jump in under Alexa's umbrella. Scout Home Security is one that's already in the mix -- Amazon is investing in the system as part of its $100 million Alexa fund, and basic Echo controls for arming and disarming your security system are already available.
