Whatever You Do, Avoid Putting Your Alexa Speaker in These PlacesThink twice
about putting that Echo device in any of these spots to protect your privacy.
Plus, where to put it instead.
Keep your Echo devices somewhere safe.
Chris Monroe/CNET
You could technically put your Amazon Echo speaker in any place in your home,
from your kitchen counter to your living room shelf or your bedside table. But
just because you can put it anywhere doesn't mean you should. There are some
places you should rethink putting your Alexa smart speakers and smart displays,
due to both privacy risks and the potential for damaging your Echo.
You may know that putting your Alexa device near water isn't safe, but did you
know that intruders could access your smart home device from outside if it's
placed too close to a window?
Keep reading to find out where you definitely should avoid placing your Echo
devices, and the best spots for them to go instead
.
1. Keep Alexa away from your toilet
Placing an Echo near your toilet is, quite simply, gross. Think of all the
germs that linger around that area -- even in super-clean bathrooms. However,
if you must have an Echo device in your bathroom (and, OK, we can see the
appeal), try placing it as far away from the toilet as possible.
If you can, mount it on a wall with a sticky strip or a nail. Just make sure
it's secure so it doesn't fall, and remember to place it near an outlet so you
can plug it in. Also, keep it away from the bathtub (duh!). You wouldn't want
to fry your Echo.
Don't even think about putting your Echo near the bathtub! Chris Monroe/CNET
2. Avoid putting Alexa near a sink
If you're trying to drown out the sounds of Alexa's voice, then, by all means,
place your expensive Echo by a sink. However, if you want to keep it intact,
never place it anywhere near water.
You don't want to risk your kitchen water sprayer going haywire and soaking
your Echo device, or a tall device getting tipped into the sink. Instead, place
it on a different counter, like a kitchen island, or tuck it into a corner
where it's farther from splattering spaghetti sauce and water spray. It'll stay
cleaner and might sound better, too.
3. Don't put Alexa by your windows
Keep your Echo away from all the windows in your house. The location could
potentially give anyone from the outside access to your Echo, and that could
give access to your other smart home devices. For example, if your car is
connected to your smart speaker, someone may be able to unlock and start it.
If your Echo is near a window, move it. Tyler Lizenby/CNET
4. Alexa shouldn't go under your TV
How many commercials are out there that say, "Alexa, playâ¦" and activate your
Echo? Or if the TV says anything that sounds a lot like "Alexa," take a guess
at what's going to activate.
Not only does this interrupt the show you're watching, but it also starts
recording what's said after the command. So if you're having a private
conversation and Alexa kicks in, you're risking your privacy. Placing it on a
side table makes more sense and is more likely to keep the voice assistant
quiet until you make a command.
So, where should you place your Amazon Echo?
In the corner of your living room (away from windows)
A place where it's easily visible to you, so you can see when the light ring
lights up
On your bedside table
On the edge of your kitchen counter -- far, far away from your sink
On a mantle or shelf
Mounted on a wall that's not facing a window
===========================================================
The fb-exchange mailing list
Manage account,
List Page: https://www.freelists.org/list/fb-exchange
Archive: https://www.freelists.org/archive/fb-exchange
To unsubscribe: log onto the List page and select "Unsubscribe".
Administrative contact: insight@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
===========================================================
