Amazon Alexa app just got a huge upgrade — here are the biggest changes

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Alexa, where are my favorites? Amazon has rolled out a refreshed Alexa app, designed to help new and returning users notice options and settings more easily. A few features and icons accept moved effectually, then nosotros'll walk you lot through the major changes to the app, available for both Android and iOS devices.

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Alexa push button relocated

The most notable change to the app is that the Alexa button has moved from the lesser middle of the screen to the very superlative, and is now much larger. The increment in the size of the push is welcome, only I nonetheless wish it were along the bottom, where it was easier to press with your thumb.

Nevertheless, another recent improvement to the Alexa app allows you to summon Amazon's assistant past phonation by pressing the bodily Alexa push button. However, yous take to first enable this feature. To turn on Alexa Hands-Free manner, select More than in the bottom row, then Settings > Alexa on this Phone > Enable Alexa Easily-Free.

Personalized home screen

Previously, the Alexa app home screen was pretty thin: Information technology would prove you the date and local weather, with a large thumbnail below of something you could do. (You could keep scrolling for more things).

Now, the domicile screen has the large Alexa push button at the top, followed by personalized recommendations and settings you utilise oft. For instance, mine showed recently played songs and radio stations, followed past recommended skills. Further down were options to create a routine and set reminders.

Those new to Alexa will see suggestions for getting started, such as how to create a shopping listing, or to play music.

The recommendation engine still needs some work. One routine it recommended I try was the "Alexa, goodnight" routine — something I gear up up months agone, and use virtually every night. I besides liked having the weather correct when I opened the app.

Moving the Alexa push button from the bottom immune Amazon to move the More menu, previously located in the upper left corner, to the lower right corner.

Selecting More gives you much of the aforementioned options every bit before: Add a Device, Lists & Notes, Reminders & Alarms, Routines, Skills, Settings, and more. This is where you'll go when you want to connect a new smart home device to Alexa, change settings (such every bit privacy, music services, Television receiver and video, Traffic, Sports, etc), and enable new skills and routines.

In all, these aren't radical changes to the Alexa app, merely should hopefully help users notice what it is they need more quickly. But, the recommendation engine needs to get smarter.

Michael A. Prospero is the deputy editor at Tom's Guide overseeing the home, smart home, drones, and fitness/wearables categories, as well as all buying guides and other evergreen content. When he's non testing out the latest running watch, skiing or grooming for a marathon, he's probably using the latest sous vide machine or another cooking gadget.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/amazon-alexa-app-just-got-a-huge-upgrade-here-are-the-biggest-changes

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Amazon Alexa app just got a huge upgrade — here are the biggest changes