Imagine commanding your PS5 with your voice using Alexa. Sounds like rocket science? It’s not!
Let’s explore how to connect your voice controls your Alexa to your PS5, turning your gaming world into a voice-controlled universe.
Benefits of PS5 and Alexa Integration
Despite the PS5’s strong built-in voice commands, you’ll still find some unique benefits when integrating Alexa with your game console first.
At first glance, the advantages may seem limited, but let’s dive deeper. With Alexa, you can command your PS5 to power off, eliminating the need for a controller.
You can even turn your Echo devices into PS5 speakers, taking your gaming experience up a notch.
However, it’s important to note that as of now, Alexa can’t power on your PS5 due to Sony’s limitations with HDMI-CEC setup.
But don’t worry, your PS5 can automatically wake up for updates and downloads if you keep the ‘Stay connected to the internet’ feature active.
Limitations of Alexa’s PS5 Control
While you can enjoy some neat features when you integrate Alexa with your PS5, it’s crucial to understand the limitations, particularly when it comes to voice control.
For instance, Alexa can’t turn on your PS5 due to Sony’s restrictions with the HDMI-CEC setup. Also, PS5’s built-in voice commands tend to be more powerful and comprehensive than what Alexa can offer on the console.
You’ll find a few unique perks, like the ability to turn off your PS5 with voice commands or using Echo as your PS5 speaker, but that’s about it.
Preparing Alexa to Power Off PS5
To get your Alexa-powered Echo ready to power off your PS5, you’ll need to follow a series of steps that involve both your smart device and the gaming console.
First, set up a voice command for turning off your TV with an Alexa-compatible smart hub like the Logitech Harmony Hub. Download the Harmony app, set up the hub, connect your TV, and create an activity to turn your TV on and off.
Now, it’s time to set up your PS5. Activate the HDMI-CEC feature on your console, go to the ‘Settings’ menu, then ‘System’, and select the HDMI menu. Make sure both ‘Enable HDMI Device Link’ and ‘Enable Power Off Link’ are activated.
This setup allows Alexa to turn off your TV and put your PS5 into rest mode.
Setting up Alexa-Controlled TV Shutdown
After setting up your PS5 for Alexa control, it’s time for you to focus on creating an Alexa-controlled TV shutdown. This process will require an Alexa-compatible smart hub with an IR blaster, such as the Logitech Harmony Hub.
First, download the Harmony app and follow the instructions to connect your TV. Once done on screen instructions, create an activity to turn your TV on and off.
Next, enable the Harmony skill in the Alexa app and sign in with your Logitech credentials. Now, you can command Alexa to power off your TV.
The final step involves setting your PS5 to rest when your TV turns off. To do this, activate the HDMI-CEC feature on your PS5, ensuring both ‘Enable HDMI Device Link’ and ‘Enable Power Off Link’ are activated.
Now, you’re all set!
Using Harmony Hub With Alexa
If you’ve got the Harmony Hub set up with your TV, you’re halfway to getting Alexa to control your entertainment device besides your PS5. This Hub acts as a bridge between Alexa and non-smart devices, such as your PS5.
With it, you can command Alexa to perform activities like turning off the TV, which in turn puts your PS5 into rest mode. To make this happen, create an activity in the Harmony app to turn your TV on and off.
Then, enable the Harmony app in the Alexa app and sign in with your Logitech credentials. Remember, this setup only works if the HDMI-CEC feature on your PS5 is activated.
Now, you’re just a voice command away from a new level of convenience. Enjoy your seamless and tech-savvy gaming environment!
Creating Harmony App Activities
Once you’ve logged in with your Logitech credentials, you’re ready to create activities in the Harmony app. These activities are essentially commands that help Alexa control gaming consoles or your PS5 through the Harmony Hub.
Start by tapping on the ‘+’ symbol at the bottom right of the app’s home screen. Select ‘Add Activity’ and choose ‘Entertainment.’ Next, pick ‘Watch TV’ as the type of entertainment. Now, add your devices – in this case, your TV and PS5, and follow the instructions to set up the activity.
Finally, name your activity, like ‘Play PS5.’ Remember, this activity is what you’ll tell Alexa to trigger, so make it intuitive. Repeat the process to create a ‘Turn off TV’ activity.
Congrats, you’re enhancing your PS5 experience with Alexa.
Activating PS5’s HDMI-CEC Feature
Now that you’ve set up your Harmony app activities, you’ll need to activate the HDMI-CEC feature on your PS5 to enable Alexa to put your console into rest mode when your TV turns off.
This feature, also known as HDMI Device Link, allows interconnected HDMI devices to control each other. Here’s how to activate it:
Navigate to the settings menu on your PS5.
Select ‘System’ from the menu.
In the ‘System’ menu, you’ll find the ‘HDMI’ option.
Ensure that ‘Enable HDMI Device Link’ and ‘Enable Power Off Link’ are both activated.
With these settings enabled, your PS5 will automatically go into rest mode when your TV is switched off.
Keep in mind, if your TV doesn’t support HDMI-CEC, Alexa won’t be able to put your PS5 into rest mode.
Verifying Successful Alexa-PS5 Connection
Often, after completing the setup process, you’ll want to ensure that your Alexa is successfully all connected devices to your PS5. To verify this, give Alexa a command like ‘Alexa, turn off my PS5.’ If your PS5 responds, congratulations! You’ve successfully integrated your Alexa and PS5.
If not, double-check your setup, ensuring your PS5’s HDMI-CEC feature is activated and your TV is Alexa-compatible. Also, make sure your Harmony Hub is correctly set up.
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