Ellen Phillips photo for ConsumerWatch column that runs every Sunday – Please use this photo from now onI frequently go to my more technologically savvy friends for smartphone tips. While I have a couple of areas of expertise, I know my limitations and am not too proud to admit I occasionally need help.
Now, thanks to Good Housekeeping and my smart friends, I’ve learned a few tricks to help with some of life’s more mundane chores.
Regardless of your personal assistant – Apple’s Siri, Google Now for iOS or Android Windows’ Cortana – he/she/it will amaze you with its versatility.
‘ Wake up! No alarm clock is necessary, whether for a 20-minute power nap or an all-nighter. Right before your head hits the pillow, tell your PA to “Wake me up in 20-minutes” or whatever time desired. It then automatically sets an alarm for the mandated time.
‘ Get out the red pen. If using Siri or Google Now, just voice the punctuation where it belongs. For example, perhaps you’re concerned about remembering to feed your dog the next morning. You might command, “Feed Rover at 5 in the morning!” Because this message is a demand, you would actually speak the following: “Feed Rover at 5 in the morning exclamation mark.”
‘ Introduce your family to your personal assistant. Siri and Google Now can swap genders for those you call a lot. I call my sister multiple times during the week, so I might start off by saying, “Call my sister.” Since her name could be one of hundreds in my contact list, Siri (since I use Apple) will ask “Who’s your sister?” at which point I reply, “Nan.” From that time forward, Siri will always know which number to call.
‘ Dinner reservation, anyone? Ask Siri or Google Now to book your table, regardless if the restaurant is within a few miles or a specific eatery three states over. Click “Make a Reservation” and set your dining time by going to OpenTable.com. Easy, huh?
‘ Name that tune. Whether dining with an accompanying jukebox or a grand pianist or simply listening to the radio, you can discover the name of the serenading song by asking your PA to name the song that’s playing and download the title to your cell.
‘ To-do lists become a thing of the past. If you need shampoo, just tell your PA, “The next time I’m in CVS, remind me to buy shampoo.” Once you’ve input this request, your PA will show a list of nearby locations. Tap the one you prefer and, once you’re close to that store, an alert will sound.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@times freepress.com.