There are now a range of options out there for some wizarding fun on smart devices – from quizzes and stories to wake-up sounds.
If you’re expecting a new smart device to drop down the chimney this Christmas, there are a range of official Wizarding World digital experiences – brought to you by Pottermore Publishing – just a simple command away…
The Official Harry Potter Quiz
We know you’ve always wanted to do your Hogwarts house proud, so it’s time to put yourself to the test with this ultimate Wizarding World challenge – earning house points along the way. The Official Harry Potter Quiz Alexa Skill is available on all Alexa-enabled devices in the UK, US, Canada, India and Australia.
The quiz uses excerpts from the Harry Potter audiobooks as the basis for the questions. It has two difficulty modes to suit all players (O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. settings, of course).
There’s a leader board and ranking, so you can compete for individual glory against players globally. Monthly tournaments give you a chance to get your house to the top of the leader board.
To get things started, simply say, ‘Alexa, play Harry Potter quiz’ to any Alexa-enabled device, including the Echo, Echo Show, Echo Dot and Echo Spot. Read more about it here. If you don’t have an Echo device, don’t worry, just download the free Alexa app to your phone and you can open the Skill from there!
Wizarding World Book Quiz
This one is only available in the US and is included for subscribers to the Amazon Kids+ service. To access it simply say, ‘Alexa, open Wizarding World quiz’. Or click here.
The skill is aimed at younger listeners (primarily 8-12) and requires no prior knowledge of the series. Instead it is comprehension-based, with all of the information required to answer the questions contained in the audio clips. It’s a great introduction to the Harry Potter stories.
Returning users can answer bonus questions, earn special badges, and enjoy themed content on special events, including character birthdays and important dates from the books, such as Back to Hogwarts.
The first seven days of questions are available for free, with unlimited access available through the premium version, which is $4.99. Unlimited access is also available through an Amazon Kids+ subscription.
Quidditch Through the Ages: Highlights
To access this Action for Google Assistant, say, ‘Hey Google, talk to Quidditch story’ on a device with Google Assistant installed, and you can immerse yourself in the quirky history of Harry Potter’s favourite sport.
Voiced by actor Siri Ellis, you can choose extracts from the Quidditch Through the Ages audiobook, narrated by Andrew Lincoln – either by voice command or by gesture on screen devices such as the Google Nest Hub, or a smartphone running Google Assistant. On screen devices you can read along to the extract from the Hogwarts Library Book, with animated pull quotes and illustrations for particular highlights in each excerpt.
At the end of each extract, there are gamified experiences to take part in: from catching the elusive Snitch, through scoring a goal, to completing a quiz based on what you’ve just listened to. There are also hidden Easter eggs throughout to keep you on your toes. Or should we say, brooms.
Time to upgrade your alarm clock game
Trouble getting up in the morning? Tired of the same old alarm? If you’re waking up in the US, you can rise and shine to sounds from the wizarding world. This pack features sound clips from the Harry Potter audiobooks, narrated by Jim Dale. Wake-up calls come courtesy of a range of characters, including Hermione Granger, Professor Snape and Harry Potter himself – and of course everyone’s favourite house-elf, Dobby.
There are seven alarm clips and two snooze clips available for you, in a situation where extendable ears are far from necessary. On your Alexa-enabled device say, ‘Alexa, wake me up at [time] to Harry Potter’ – you can also find the pack here.
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If you’re lucky enough to receive a smart speaker this Christmas, get ready to unlock these Harry Potter-themed experiences faster than you can say ‘Alohomora!’
