Amazon expands Alexa voice support on Android devices

US-based e-commerce giant Amazon has rolled out a new update on the Alexa app. The new update expands the use of Alexa voice support on Android.

Alexa is Amazon’s artifical intelligence-based virtual assistant. The virtual assistant made its debut with Amazon Echo and Amazon Echo Dot smart speakers.

With the new update, customers will be able to talk to Alexa directly from within the Alexa app on their Android smartphones.

The Alexa app is available for download from the Google Play Store. Those using Android phones and tablets running Android OS 5.0 and above can download the app.

Also, the new update allows customers to set Alexa as their default voice assistant on Android devices. They can interact with Alexa by simply holding down the home button on the device.

To set this up, customers can go to the ‘Assist app’ settings on their Android device (exact settings vary by device), and select Alexa as their default Assist app.

With the latest update, customers can ask Alexa to play music, report latest news and weather forecast, answer their questions and more, using their smartphone.
Through the Alexa app on their Android smartphones, customers can also Alexa to help locate things around them.
Akin to Google search assistant, one just needs to tap on the Alexa button and say "show me restaurants nearby” or “what movies are playing near me today?” for local search results.
Additionally, the company has launched an Alexa Voice Shortcut Widget, which allows access to Alexa at the tap of an icon.
The free app update for Android devices will be rolled out to all customers in the coming days.