Amazon has announced that it’s finally launching its voice-controlled Echo speakers in Canada on December 5.
Until now, Google Home was the only officially supported service, and while it is really good when it comes to answering the kinds of questions you might google online, it lacks Alexa’s extensive support for the internet of things and home automation products.
Users can call on Alexa to answer many a question and complete several tasks, simply by using her name.
Alexa has over 15,000 “skills,” which work similarly to apps on a smartphone.
The Echo Dot, Echo, and Echo Plus are open for preorder starting today, though early orders will qualify for up to $30 off the sticker price.
Amazon said that it expects the devices to start shipping on December 5, and they will also be available in-store at Best Buy, Staples, The Source, Telus and a number of other retailers.
Alongside the Echo launch, Amazon is opening the Alexa Skills Kit and Alexa Voice Service for local developers and hardware makers to create integrations built on Alexa for the Canadian market. Additionally, the company revealed that its Prime Music streaming service is now available to Prime members in Canada.
Source: Amazon
