Amazon Alexa calling + messaging now available in UK, Germany, and Austria

Amazon’s Echo is able to get software updates very easily. After all, the physical device itself acts as a capsule equipped with mics and speakers for Amazon’s cloud service, which the Echo communicates with.

Amazon Alexa gained a significant new feature a few months ago that allowed Amazon Echo owners to get in touch with their family and friends who also use the Amazon Echo. This new feature is now available to the Amazon Echo’s European markets: UK, Germany, and Austria.

If you head into your Amazon Echo app, where the app will request access to your contacts. Once set up, you’ll be able to say “Alexa, make a call,” then state the name of the person you are trying to reach. If you know others who also use an Amazon Echo, you’ll be able to place calls with them or anyone mobile who has the Amazon Alexa App installed.

The Amazon Alexa calling feature also comes bundled with a feature that lets you send voice messages to your friends and family. When Alexa flashes green, this means you have a message waiting, to which you can say “Alexa, hear my messages”.

Another more recent Amazon Echo feature that we anticipate will hit Echo’s Euro markets is the new “Drop in” feature. This lets you open the mic and speaker connection between two Amazon Echo devices in the same household.

Via