Amazon’s digital voice assistant Alexa is set to come on iOS in the coming week. The company announced that its Siri-competitor will be integrated into the Amazon shopping app for iOS, allowing iPhone users to access the voice-controlled assistant on-the-go. With the integration, users can ask Alexa questions, shop, play music, and also control Alexa-enabled devices at home.
It is worth mentioning that there is a standalone Alexa for iOS app which is a companion app for all Alexa-enabled hardware. The integration with the main Amazon app initially won’t have access to the Door Lock API that allows one to unlock compatible smart door lock products. However, users will get a near full-fledged Alexa experience without needing to purchase an Echo speaker or other devices.
You can use Alexa to order on Amazon, track packages, search for items, etc. You can further ask Alexa to stream e-books from your Kindle library or music from Amazon Music Unlimited, Prime Music, or purchased music. Amazon Prime members can further stream playlists, and music million for free. To ask any question, simply tap on the microphone icon next to the search bar in the Amazon app and say things like “tell me a joke,” or “who is Abraham Lincoln.” You can use the assistant to further check news, get weather and traffic updates, and much more.
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Alexa was launched last year alongside Amazon’s Echo voice-controlled speaker and its latest integration suggests its capabilities of being useful beyond the Echo setup. What might keep Siri’s charm intact is that it is a truly hands-free voice-controlled assistant, whereas for Alexa, you need to have the main Amazon shopping app to interact with the assistant. On the other hand, Alexa has the capabilities of controlling Amazon’s wider smart home products range.
If you own an iOS device and want to explore the potential of Alexa, you can head to the App Store and download the Amazon app and get started. Please note that Alexa integration will be rolled out to the app gradually. Although the company is yet to release its Echo-powered smart speaker in India, a report last month hinted that the device will be made available towards the end of this year. If the report is to be believed, you might be able to say things like “Alexa, order a chicken tandoori pizza,” from the Amazon app while you are on your way back home.
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