Skype calling comes to Alexa

Microsoft and Amazon continue to build on its partnership. This time, Microsoft is bringing Skype calling to Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. The Echo range can use Skype’s basic calling feature. And if you have the Echo Show, you’ll even get video calling support. On top of this, you can also use SkypeOut to call mobile phones and landlines. You just need to say things like “Alexa, call Stephen on Skype” to activate the call.

Source: The Verge

Tidal comes to Amazon Echo

If you’re using Tidal and own an Amazon Echo device, you’re going to love this new update. The Jay-Z-owned music streaming service is now available on Amazon Echo devices. You can access it via an Alexa skill, and, of course, you need a Tidal subscription for it to work. Tidal comes to the service using Amazon’s recently introduced Music Skill API, the company was able to build support for Alexa without needing to rely on Amazon’s help (which other streaming services had to do). Now, you can set it as your default Echo streaming service. However, of course, you’ll lose the optional hi-fi audio quality Tidal is known for because of the hardware limitations of the Amazon Echo. But who knows if a hi-fi version of the speaker comes out in the future? For now, Tidal is hoping you’ll love its curated playlists and this integration for you to stick with the service.

Source: The Verge

Alexa to let you use voice commands to add smart home devices to groups

Smart home devices are designed to make living easier for you. Setting said smart home devices? Not-so-smart. Or rather, it can be a tedious, complicated process. But looks like Amazon and its Alexa assistant wants to ease things a bit for you. Appearing on the Echo newsletter, it looks like you can create device groups and add smart home devices to it simply by using your voice. Here’s the description for it: “‘Alexa, add the lamp to the living room group.’ Organize your smart home devices into groups and control them all with one command. Just ask to create a group or add and remove devices from your smart home group.”

There is no information for this yet on the help page for creating device groups but it might show up soon. If you do have access to it, let us know what you’re experience has been like. Was it easier to setup your smart devices?

Source: Android Police

Amazon Echo Button gets a bit more useful

While first marketed as a fun accessory for playing party games, the Amazon Echo Buttons are getting some added, useful features. These can now perform Alexa routines by simply tapping a button. It’ll let you do things like turn on the lights without talking to your speaker or let guests cue music without having to remember specific commands. You can enable this feature by creating routines in the latest version of the Alexa app. To activate them, you just choose the Echo Button as a trigger and then you’re good to go.

Source: Engadget