What I'm about to share is likely already known to people who keep up
with Amazon's Alexa products.
First, users of Alexa products can use their devices, or even the Alexa
app, to make and receive "phone" calls. In order for this feature to
work, you need to enable the feature in your Alexa app or, presumably,
Alexa's Web interface by going to http://alexa.amazon.com.
Once this has been done, you can upload your contacts to Alexa. If any
of your contacts are also Alexa users and have also uploaded their
contacts, you can call them by just saying "Alexa, call John Smith."
Alexa confirms the request and plays a repeating series of tones, to let
you know that it is attempting to call John Smith's Alexa device or app.
Once John answers, you can talk with him by using the microphones from
your Alexa device or your smartphone or tablet's mic. When you're ready
to disconnect, you can say "Alexa, disconnect."
You can also send voice messages by saying "Alexa, send a message to
John Smith." Alexa will prompt you to record the message and you can do
so, although I believe there is a limit to the recording's duration. You
can also ask Alexa to play messages you might have and she will do so.
The audio quality is quite good.
There is a valid concern about not being able to block specific people
from contacting you, which I'm sure Amazon will address sooner rather
than later. Also, I found no setting to enable a "do not disturb" time,
which I find even more troubling.
Since this feature was released, the newly updated Alexa app for iOS
seems much more stable and is far easier to use.
Also, Amazon has announced their new Echo unit with a touchscreen called
the Echo Show. In addition to the Echo's capabilities, it will also be
able to play video and will be able to allow for video as well as audio
communication, similar to Apple's Facetime. The unit will cost $229.00
and will ship by the end of June. We've heard nothing as to whether the
Voice View screen reader will be included for accessibility.
--
David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist Feel free to visit my
Web site WWW.DavidGoldfield.Info
You are invited to visit the moderator's Web site at WWW.DavidGoldfield.Info
for additional resources and information about assistive technology training
services.
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