With the launch of the Echo Show, Amazon has announced a new calling and messaging feature that will let you make and receive calls, as well as send messages between Echo devices and the Amazon Alexa app for iOS and Android.
The feature works with all current Echo devices and is completely free to use as it works over Wi-Fi and mobile data, so there is no need for a talk plan.
How to use Amazon Alexa calling and messaging?
- Make sure you have the latest software update installed. You’ll also have to enable Alexa calling and messaging in the system’s settings, and anyone you’ll want to call with have to enable this function too.
You’ll be able to see all your contacts that have the function enabled from within the Alexa app.
Next use your voice to place a call to someone with an Echo device or the Alexa app on their phone or tablet.
To start a call, you’ll need to wake the Echo up by saying “Alexa” and then ask it to call someone, for example “call daddy”. If someone tries calling you, your Echo device will display a green ring and give out an audible alert.
Now you can tell Alexa to answer the call, or ignore the call.
It’s a similar process to send messages, for example you can say “Alexa, message mummy” and Alexa will send it.
You’ll hear a chime when you receive a message from someone else, and the green ring will light up. You can then ask Alexa to play your messages.
Echo is available in a handful of countries and continues to expand internationally, which will make the incentive to use Alexa’s free calling and messaging even stronger.
Amazon has about 70 percent market share in the smart speaker space, according to a recent eMarketer survey giving Amazon a head start over the competition.
Amazon Alexa calling and messaging is accessible to blind and low vision users of the Alexa app and Echo devices. The Echo Show is available to pre-order and will be released June 28.
