Cheap and Cheerful

Alexa speakers are smart speakers that use Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa, to provide hands-free control for a wide variety of tasks. Alexa speakers typically have built-in microphones that can pick up voice commands from across the room, and they are designed to integrate with a range of smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and door locks.

Some of the key features of Alexa speakers include:

Voice control: You can use Alexa to control your music, ask for the news and weather, set reminders, and much more, all without having to use your hands.

Smart home integration: Alexa speakers can be used to control a wide variety of smart home devices, such as smart bulbs, thermostats, and security cameras.

Multi-room audio: You can set up multiple Alexa speakers throughout your home and use them to play music in sync or in different rooms.

Skills: Alexa has thousands of "skills," which are essentially apps that allow you to do even more with your speaker, such as ordering a pizza, playing trivia games, or booking a ride.

There are many different Alexa speakers available on the market, ranging from budget-friendly options like the Echo Dot to high-end models like the Echo Studio. Some speakers are also designed for specific use cases, such as the Echo Show, which includes a built-in screen for video calling and streaming content.

If you are looking for a cheap Alexa speaker that can be used in many ways, there are several options available to you. Here are a few suggestions:

Amazon Echo Dot: The Echo Dot is a small, affordable Alexa speaker that can be used to control your smart home devices, play music, set alarms and reminders, and more. It is also very compact and can be placed in various locations in your home.

Echo Flex: The Echo Flex is even smaller and more affordable than the Echo Dot, making it an excellent choice if you want an Alexa speaker that can be used in many places. It plugs directly into an outlet and can be used to control your smart home devices, make announcements, and more.

Echo Show 5: If you want an Alexa speaker with a screen, the Echo Show 5 is a great option. It can be used to stream video content, make video calls, display your calendar, and more. It is also relatively affordable compared to other smart displays on the market.

Third-party Alexa speakers: There are many third-party Alexa speakers available on the market, which can offer better sound quality and additional features compared to Amazon's own devices. Some affordable options include the Anker Soundcore Flare Mini, JBL Link Portable, and Ultimate Ears Blast.

Remember to check for sales and deals on these devices, as prices can fluctuate and you may be able to find a great deal.

It is possible to connect an Alexa speaker to an old AC, but it will depend on the type of AC unit you have and whether it is compatible with Alexa.

If your AC unit has an infrared remote control, you may be able to use an Alexa-compatible IR blaster, such as the BroadLink RM Mini3 or the Logitech Harmony Hub, to control the AC through voice commands.

If your AC unit does not have an infrared remote control, you may need to install a smart thermostat that is compatible with Alexa, such as the Ecobee or Nest thermostats. These thermostats can control both heating and cooling systems, so they may be a good option if you want to control the temperature of your home with voice commands.

In any case, it is important to make sure that the Alexa speaker you choose is compatible with the smart device you plan to use to control your AC. You should also follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure that your setup is safe and reliable.