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Voice Commands: Making Technology Work for You
Trivia: The famous 1972 photograph known as “Blue Marble” was taken during which NASA mission?
RetireHub
June 24, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Tuesday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on voice commands: making technology work for you, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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On this day in 1985, the beloved adventure-comedy The Goonies was released in the UK, just weeks after its U.S. premiere. With pirate maps, secret tunnels, and plenty of booby traps, the film captured the imaginations of kids (and kids at heart) around the world. Decades later, it’s still a cult classic—because Goonies never say die!
Voice Commands: Making Technology Work for You
In today’s tech-savvy world, voice commands are no longer just for sci-fi movies—they’re part of everyday life, and they’re making things simpler, faster, and more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re asking your smart speaker to play your favorite song, telling your phone to call a friend, or even controlling your lights with a few spoken words, voice-controlled technology can help make your routines smoother and your hands a little freer.
At its core, voice command technology allows you to interact with devices using your natural speech instead of tapping or typing. This is especially helpful for people with limited mobility, vision challenges, or anyone who just wants to multitask more easily. From smartphones and smart TVs to thermostats and kitchen appliances, more and more gadgets are integrating voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.
So, what can you actually do with voice commands? Quite a lot. You can send texts, set reminders, get directions, check the weather, and even make grocery lists just by speaking. Around the house, voice commands can turn on your favorite playlist, adjust the thermostat, lock your doors, or brew your morning coffee—all without lifting a finger. For seniors, these features can be particularly empowering, offering both convenience and added independence.
Getting started is easier than you might think. Most smartphones come with built-in voice assistants that you can activate with a simple phrase like “Hey Siri” or “OK Google.” Smart speakers, like Amazon Echo or Google Nest, respond to similar prompts. Once you’ve set up your device, you can start by asking simple questions or giving basic commands—and the more you use it, the more intuitive it becomes.
It’s normal to feel a bit hesitant at first, but think of voice commands as having a helpful assistant on standby, ready to respond to your needs, big or small. And remember, you can always ask, “What can you do?” to get a list of suggestions from your device.
Whether you're sending a message, playing a podcast, or dimming the lights before bed, voice technology is here to lend a hand (or rather, an ear). It’s all about making life easier, one word at a time.
Want to try it now? Just say, “What’s the weather today?”—and see what your device says back!
🎙️ Do You Use Voice Commands with Your Devices? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: How much thought have you given to your digital assets?
Most readers haven’t yet made plans for their digital assets—over 60% admitted they hadn’t even thought about it until now! While a smaller group has either started a list or formally included their online accounts and files in their estate plans, it’s clear this topic is still flying under the radar. The poll highlights a growing need for awareness around digital legacies in today’s increasingly online world.
TOP COMMENTS
“I have provided information for my kids they both know how to access this information.”
“As we are getting close to 70, this has been on my mind. We need to discuss who we would prefer to take care of this.”
“We have shared the necessary information with a trusted family member.”
Fresh Scents, Fresh Start: Embrace the Essence of Summer
Summer is the perfect time to refresh your fragrance wardrobe, and this article is a lovely guide to doing just that. It explores how certain scents—like citrus, florals, or beachy notes—can instantly transport you to warm, sun-soaked memories. Whether you’re drawn to light garden florals, crisp greens, or clean musks, these seasonal perfume suggestions offer more than just a pleasant aroma—they help you step into summer with confidence, energy, and a bit of playfulness. It's a reminder that scent can be a form of self-care and joy, no matter your age.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Main character energy
Meaning: The confident, self-assured attitude of someone who lives like they're the star of the show—bold, unbothered, and fully owning their moment. It’s about embracing your individuality, making choices that suit you, and not shrinking for anyone else.
In a sentence: "After trading her morning robe for a red lipstick and heading out to her watercolor class with flair, Carol was absolutely giving main character energy."
Good News of the Day
Taylor Swift’s Hospital Visit Inspires Fans to Donate Tens of Thousands to Kids in Need
When Taylor Swift recently paid a special visit to a children’s hospital, it wasn’t just the patients who were touched—it sparked an incredible wave of generosity from her fans around the world. Inspired by her kindness and compassion, thousands of Swifties came together to donate tens of thousands of dollars to support children facing serious health challenges. These donations are helping provide crucial resources, comfort, and care to young patients and their families during difficult times. It’s a powerful reminder of how one thoughtful act from a beloved celebrity can ignite a movement of hope and generosity, proving that kindness truly is contagious.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
The famous 1972 photograph known as “Blue Marble” was taken during which NASA mission? |
Which iconic handheld gaming device did Nintendo release in 1989? |
Which U.S. state is home to the “Petrified Forest” national park, known for its fossilized trees? |
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