iOS users can interact with Alexa via text

Amazon has just added a new feature for iOS users. Its assistant Alexa can now respond to commands via text on the platform. With this option, you can opt to text commands to Alexa instead of speaking to it. The feature is still in a "public preview," so expect to run into bugs and issues. If you do want to test it out, you can head to the Alexa app on iOS. When you tap the Alexa button in the app, it will bring up a keyboard icon that will open a chat window.

Source: Engadget

Apple, Microsoft works on Xbox Series X/S controller support

Microsoft's new controllers for the Xbox Series S/X might not have gone through a big revamp as Sony's DualSense controllers. But that doesn't mean it'll be a seamless update with third-party devices, as is the case with Apple products. The support page for compatible controllers with Apple devices shows that Microsoft and Apple are working on fixing compatibility with the new controllers. The message reads, "Microsoft and Apple are working together to bring compatibility for the Xbox Series X controller to customers in a future update."

It is unclear why it isn't working now, but it's good to hear that the companies are working on a fix. There is no word yet about the compatibility of the new DualSense controllers. But recent iOS developer builds suggest that work is being done here as well.

Source: Engadget

Google Stadia to start testing its iOS web app in the coming weeks

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The only way cloud gaming services will be available on iOS is through web apps. And so, the likes of NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google will be complying with Apple's rules. After NVIDIA released its beta web app version of GeForce Now, Google Stadia is next. The company announced on the first anniversary of the service that it would be building a progressive web app version of Stadia that will run on Safari, with public testing happening in the coming weeks.

While Microsoft was the first to announce that it would be bringing its xCloud service to iOS via the same means, the platform won't be arriving until next year.

Source: The Verge

Google rolls out Gmail for iOS home screen widget

Source: 9to5Google

Gmail on iOS now supports the platform's home screen widgets. There's a single 4 x 2 widget available with the "Search in mail" bar at the top with your profile avatar and a Compose shortcut beside an unread count below. The widget will not show any confidential information, so you don't have to worry about private emails suddenly showing up on your home screen.

Source: 9to5Google