1. Sing (or read) along
This feature isn’t easy to spot in the desktop apps, so if you want to see them, click on the little Lyrics button to the right of the name of the track that’s currently playing. It’s easier on mobile, where you can tap the double line above the playback bar. If you can’t see the lyrics option, it’s not available for the song you’re listening to.
2. Reduce data usage
If you’re using an Android device, tap the cog icon, then Mobile networks stream quality, but if you’re on iOS, hit the three-dot menu button, then Settings and Streaming Audio Quality to make your choice. Of course, you could also just sync playlists ahead of time over Wi-Fi before you leave the house, so you won’t have to use data on the go.
3. Keep your music for good
4. Ask Alexa to name that song
Just say, “Hey Alexa, what’s the song that goes…” and say as many of the lyrics as you remember. If it can be found, Alexa will respond with the name of the song and its artist, then start playing it back to you.
5. Ask Alexa for some recommendations
Try saying, “Hey Alexa, play music like…” followed by the name of an artist you’re particularly fond of. You won’t hear their songs, but you will hear music by similar artists, and you might end up making a serendipitous new discovery.
6. Beam music to an Echo
From the “now playing” screen on Android or iOS, tap the “cast” button, which is a rectangle with two lines in one corner that looks a lot like the Google Chromecast symbol. If you’ve got an Echo on your home network somewhere, it’ll appear—just tap the device to connect. The list of available gadgets will also include any Chromecast or AirPlay devices visible on the local network.
7. Fall asleep to your music
On Android, you’ll need to tap the cog icon in the top left of the Browse tab, then choose Sleep Timer. On iOS, head to the Browse tab, tap the three dots in the top right-hand corner, then pick Settings and Sleep Timer. Choose a delay of 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, and when that timer runs out, your phone will pause playback.
8. Share your music
9. Make use of drag and drop
From anywhere on the interface—an album listing, search result, playlist mix, anything—you can drag tracks to the right and drop them on the Play Next button (which will do exactly that) or the Add to Queue button (to play them after all the currently listed songs). It’s a quick and easy way to keep the music going.
