Amazon Echo and Alexa have positioned themselves as undisputed leaders in the world of voice assistants and smart speakers. Echo devices feature a full integration of the virtual assistant Alexa, which allows you to automate tasks, control home devices, obtain information, play music, manage your calendar, and many other useful functions. However, Alexa also hides secret modes and easter eggs that can make the experience much more fun and surprising, as is the case with the popular Super Alexa mode.
What is Super Alexa Mode and where does it come from?
Alexa Super Mode is a hidden Easter egg on Echo devices and in the Alexa app, intended as a nostalgic nod to classic video game fans. This mode doesn't activate special functions or modify the assistant's behavior, but is instead a playful response to a legendary command sequence: the famous Konami CodeThis code, used in hundreds of video games, originated in the game Gradius and became world-famous in titles like Contra, elevating it to the status of a geek and gamer icon.
Like other virtual assistants, Alexa has adopted this sequence as part of its hidden answers, generating a special and engaging interaction with users who discover the trick. When activated correctly, Alexa recognizes the full command and responds with phrases like "Ding, ding, ding, code is correct, downloading updates" or similarly playful variations, but it doesn't enable any additional features or require deactivation after use.
Where can I activate Super Alexa Mode?
Super Alexa Mode can be activated on any device with Alexa built-in: Echo speakers, Echo Dot, Echo Show, and also through the Alexa app for smartphones, both on Android and iOS. This means you don't necessarily need a physical Echo device: just install and configure the official app from Alexa.
However, it is important to emphasize that this mode works mainly as a special effect or joke; It doesn't add any extra functionality or features to the assistant, but it can be a great way to wow friends, family, or guests when they interact with Alexa in your home or office.
The Origin of Super Alexa Mode: The Konami Code
El Konami Code is a controller command sequence originally used in the game Gradius, and adopted in many other Konami and other titles. The sequence, recognized by millions of gamers around the world, is:
- Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start
On Alexa, to activate the mode, you must speak the sequence out loud, clearly enunciating each element. If you make a mistake or stop, Alexa will let you know that the sequence is incorrect and give you the option to try again.
This feature is a tribute to the cheats of video games of yesteryear, when developers included secret codes to unlock extras, power-ups or infinite livesAt Alexa, this tradition remains a curiosity that enriches the user experience.
How to activate Super Alexa Mode step by step
- Make sure your Echo device or Alexa app is turned on and connected to the internet.
- Move closer to the device or open the Alexa app on your phone and tap the microphone icon.
- Recite the following command aloud, without pausing excessively:
- «Alexa, up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start»
- If you pronounce the sequence correctly, Alexa will respond with one of these phrases:
- "Ding, ding, ding, the code is correct, downloading updates."
- "Super Alexa Mode activated, starting online reactors. Bringing advanced systems online, downloading updates... Oh, looks like your bandwidth is low!"
If you misspell a word, Alexa will notice. and will ask you to try again, emphasizing how "super secret" this code is. You can repeat the command as many times as you like until you get it right.
Does Super Alexa Mode serve any purpose?
No, Super Alexa Mode is purely decorative and playful. It does not unlock any hidden features or change the actual behavior of the assistant, nor does it add any additional abilities. It is intended as a foolish or anecdote that can brighten up the day and bring a smile to the faces of users, especially those who are familiar with the world of video games.
Amazon often includes these Easter eggs in Alexa to demonstrate the human and fun side of the technology, increasing the closeness between the assistant and the user. It also encourages curiosity to explore different commands and modes, making everyday use of Alexa less complicated. routine.
Common problems when activating Super Alexa Mode and how to fix them
- Ambient noise: If there's a lot of noise in the environment, Alexa may not understand the sequence well. Try moving closer to the device or reducing the noise.
- Incorrect pronunciation: Alexa is strict about the sequence. She speaks clearly and without long pauses.
- Connection issues: If your device doesn't have internet access or there are connectivity issues, Alexa may not respond properly. Make sure it's connected and working properly.
- Delete voice history: If you have any questions about how your command was interpreted, you can check your voice history by going to Options > Settings > Alexa Privacy > Check Voice History.
- Custom voice recognition: If more than one person uses the device, make sure you have set up your voice profile (Voice ID) in the settings menu so Alexa can recognize and adapt to your tone and pronunciation.
What other fun secret modes does Alexa have?
In addition to Super Alexa Mode, there are other hidden modes and commands Alexa features that users may find fun and interesting. Some are modes that modify the assistant's voice or behavior, while others simply offer humorous or thematic responses. Find out what they are and how to activate them:
- Father Mode: Alexa responds with typical parenting phrases. Activate it by saying "Alexa, turn on parent mode" and respond with the code "aratnacla" (Alcantara backwards).
- Mother Mode: Alexa says motherly phrases. Say "Alexa, mother mode" and answer several questions to activate it.
- Baby Mode: Alexa can simulate crying like a baby. Activate it with "Alexa, baby mode."
- Child Mode: Change your personality to that of a child. Say "Alexa, child mode."
- Teen Mode: Use teen expressions. Try "Alexa, teen mode."
- Grandma Mode: Respond like a grandma using “Alexa, Grandma Mode,” “Alexa, Grandma Mode,” or “Alexa, Grandpa Mode.”
- Lover Mode: Alexa recites love quotes and tests your knowledge of romantic authors. Activate her with "Alexa, turn on Love Mode" and answer her questions correctly.
- Whisper Mode: If you whisper to Alexa or say “Alexa, whisper mode,” her voice will automatically lower its pitch.
- Madrid and Galician Mode: Change your voice and responses to regional themes. Say "Alexa, activate Madrid mode" or "Alexa, activate Galician mode" and answer questions about Madrid or Galicia to unlock them.
- Self-Destruct Mode: Alexa emulates a self-destruct countdown when she hears "Alexa, self-destruct mode." It's just an audible joke, but it's powerful in meetings.
- Soccer Mode: Experience football with Alexa by answering questions after saying "Alexa, turn on football mode."
- Batman Mode: Change the personality to Batman by saying “Alexa, tell me a Batman quote.”
- Reggaeton Mode: Tell Alexa, turn on reggaeton mode and enter the code “Martínez Ocasio 2017” for a special song.
- Party Mode or Motomami: Take a test to activate Rosalía's party or fan side with "activate motomami mode" and the code "1992 Vila."
- Santa Claus Mode: Ask Alexa about Santa Claus to discover this mode, useful during the holiday season.
- Cleaning Mode: Delete your command history by saying “Alexa, delete everything I said today.”
- Latin American Regional Modes: Try "Alexa, Chilango Mode," "Alexa, Yucatecan Mode," "Alexa, Norteño Mode," "Alexa, Mexican Mode," "Alexa, Taquero Mode," or "Alexa, Caribbean Mode"; some may be available depending on your region.
These modes, although not all are enabled in all regions, show Amazon's efforts to connect Alexa with popular culture, entertainment, and the geographic and social diversity of its users.
Useful and fun commands to try with Alexa
In addition to secret modes, Alexa has dozens of useful and funny commands that can make your daily life easier or liven up a meeting. Here's a selection of the most interesting and functional ones:
- alexa, hush: to stop talking immediately.
- alexa, stop: Stops any music, alarm, or response in progress.
- Alexa, delete everything I said to you today: Clear your daily voice history.
- Alexa, read my notifications: Review pending messages and alerts.
- Alexa, turn the volume up to maximum: turn the volume up to full volume.
- Alexa, roll a dice: generates a random number as if it were a physical die.
- Alexa, heads or tails? Flip a virtual coin.
- Alexa, turn the volume up or down: Control the sound intensity.
- alexa surprise me: Respond with a fun fact, joke or story.
- alexa tell me something: tells an interesting or funny fact.
- Alexa, tell me something fun: great for learning or breaking the ice.
- Alexa, rock, paper, scissors: play a quick game.
- Alexa, tell me a riddle: test your wits.
- Alexa, can you rap?: Alexa improvises an original rap.
- Alexa, tell me a movie line: Quote famous movie dialogues.
- Alexa, what is your favorite singer?: discover their fictional musical preferences.
What makes Super Alexa Mode different from other commands?
Super Alexa Mode stands out for its eminently gamer origin, while other modes respond to family, cultural, artistic stereotypes, or popular celebrations. Furthermore, unlike functional commands that automate tasks, the Konami code is a rarity in the precision it demands in its pronunciation and in its appeal to the collective memory of video game players.
This makes it a Exclusive Easter egg, very popular in the geek community, and one of the most widespread and celebrated tricks in the recent history of voice assistants.
How to get the most out of your experience with Alexa and its modes?
- Always explore new commandsAlexa regularly adds new tricks, modes, and skills. Ask occasionally, "What modes do you have?" or "What can you do?" to find out what's new.
- Customize the voice profile: Set up personalized voice recognition to optimize response to your commands and improve everyday interaction.
- Check command history and privacy: From the app, you can review what commands have been executed, clear your history, or change your privacy preferences.
- Discover and activate Skills: Access the Alexa Skill Store to add additional features, games, and more custom tricks.
- Adapt Alexa to your environment: Adjust the volume, tone of voice, or use whisper mode to suit the environment or time of day.
- Take advantage of automatic responses and theme modes to liven up gatherings, surprise your children or make an afternoon more fun.
With Alexa, the integration of secret commands like Super Alexa Mode proves that technology can also be lighthearted and connect emotionally with users through humor and nostalgia. If you're looking to take full advantage of your voice assistant's capabilities, don't hesitate to explore the different modes, personalize the experience, and, above all, have fun in the process. Discovering these little tricks can turn any time spent with Alexa into a surprising experience, and you never know when Amazon will add new secrets waiting to be discovered.