This little device is much more than a speaker to play music through — she’s practically an extra roommate that doesn’t make a mess you need to clean up. We’ve all seen the commercials of Alexa setting reminders and alarms for people but let’s take a look at 10 things we didn’t know our little electronic friend could do.

SKIP THE TRAFFIC JAM

Many Alexa owners know they can ask her what the weather is like or what they should wear that day, but fewer people know that Alexa can also be asked about the traffic.

Too many people make long commutes to work, which leads to traffic jams and backups on highways and small-town roads. Despite leaving early to miss the traffic, many folks somehow end up in the middle of it anyway. Well, thanks to Alexa, users can know exactly what they are getting into before leaving the house. She’ll let them know what the fastest route is to get to their final destination.

SHE CAN TALK TO YOUR PETS

Pet owners have an incredibly hard time leaving their four-legged friends at home all day while they head out to work. This is why pet cameras are so popular these days, as owners want to make sure their little buddies are taken care of and safe!

For those who have pets and Alexa, did you know Alexa can talk to your pets while you’re out of the house? Just enable the Meow feature on the Alexa app, and she’ll meow and talk to the cat while the owner is out of the house.

And FEED THEM!

If Alexa talking to animals wasn’t great enough, she can also feed them, too. While she’s not quite like the mom from Disney’s Smart House, smart pet feeders (like Petnet) can be connected to Alexa so she can feed pets as needed.

Life gets busy and sometimes we’re running late to get home and feed our furry friend, so why not have Alexa handle the job? All that is needed is to enable the Dog Feeder skill on the Alexa app and follow the instructions. Then again, if Alexa helps someone get out of bad traffic, maybe they’ll make it home in time to feed their pets after all.

LET HER PLAN YOUR NEXT VACATION

For those who have an itch to get out of town and have a special vacation, simply ask Alexa for help. Simply ask “Alexa, how much is it to fly from Philadelphia to Munich?” Or “Alexa, ask KAYAK where I can go for $300.”

Alexa will then be able to assist with all the owner’s traveling needs. Traveling with Alexa also has its benefits, as she can be asked about a flight’s departure time, the cost of rental cars, even how long the line is at security! Who needs to hire a travel agent when Alexa is around?

SHE’LL HELP WITH WRITER’S BLOCK

It doesn’t matter if someone works from home, an office, or is a homemaker who’s constantly doing 10 different things - Alexa can help clear their mind. If you’re looking to write a book, an essay, or even a lengthy email but can’t think of the right words, enable the Writing Motivation skill and let Alexa help out.

All someone has to do is say “Alexa, open Writing Motivation” and allow Alexa to provide strategic exercises known to help a writer unclog their mind and get to work.

HELP IN THE KITCHEN

Is anyone else intimidated in the kitchen? With different measurements, sharp objects, and foreign ingredients, cooking can put a lot of pressure on a person. Then again, others are complete naturals in the kitchen and cooking or baking comes easy to them. Regardless if someone is a cooking newbie or vet, Alexa is an angel sous chef.

Looking to make cookies but have no idea where to begin? Simply ask Alexa “Alexa, find an easy cookie recipe.” Alexa can even be asked about measurements, certain ingredients, and to set timers (or reminders) to make working in the kitchen a breeze. She really comes in hand when the cook’s hands are too sticky to check a phone or computer.

Alexa: THE PERSONAL TRAINER

Gym memberships and personal trainer fees can be expensive. Going to a gym every day as a New Years’ resolution may sound like a good goal but it’s not always realistic. Life gets in the way sometimes. However, as long as someone is motivated enough to do a small at-home workout, Alexa can serve as a great trainer.

USA Today says Alexa has over 30 fitness-related skills; one of them being “Alexa, start seven-minute workout.” Just open the app, go to “Skills & Games,” click “Exercise,” and get ready to sweat!

YOU CAN RENAME HER

Alexa’s name will need to be changed in the app’s settings first, of course. Go to “Settings” and search for the “Wake Word.” It can then be changed from Alexa to something that’s easier to say or remember.

USE HER REMOTELY

Some people use Alexa so often, she actually does feel like a member of the family. While not in an area where Alexa is present, she can actually be used remotely. The Alexa Voice Remote uses Bluetooth to connect the user’s device; alternatively, the Echo Sim allows one to virtually get in touch with Alexa.

ALEXA CAN CONTACT UBER

For those who live in a city like New York or LA, relying on public transportation and companies like Uber to get around is almost unavoidable. If you use Uber often and are in the middle of doing something at home and forgot to call an Uber, simply enable the Uber function and say “Alexa, ask Uber to request a ride.”

Thanks to Alexa, you can finish getting ready, packing, or cleaning up knowing a car is on its way.