If you have any devices that use Alexa’s virtual assistant, you know how much it can help you tell the weather, play your favorite podcast, or control the lights and appliances in your home. But what if you want to do multiple things in quick succession? You have to say the word «Alexa» every time, which can be a bit cumbersome. That’s why there is a tracking mode.

When you activate Follow-up mode, you let Alexa «hear» one command, execute it, and then wait five seconds to «listen» for another command. While she’s listening, the blue light on your device stays on. For example, say it’s time for bed and you want Alexa to help you with some evening tasks: check tomorrow’s weather, set an alarm, and play soothing music. Without tracking mode enabled, the interaction is as follows:

You: Alexa, what’s the weather forecast for tomorrow?