Most people familiar with Amazon’s Echo products understand that to get to experience the device fully, the Alexa smartphone app needs to be downloaded. However, soon to come is the Alexa app Windows that can be installed onto a PC. It is set to be released in Spring 2018. If users want to purchase an Echo device and are not technically savvy (but own a PC), or have too many apps on their phone, they can still receive most of the functionality of Alexa through the device. This guide will give information on how the app can be used on Windows, what features are available in the app, and what the release means for the existing Windows virtual assistant.
Alexa and Amazon Echo
Amazon Echo devices would not be complete without the virtual assistant, Alexa. The assistant can answer basic questions, check the weather, and even control a smart device in the home such as a thermostat. To get the assistant’s attention, just say “Alexa…” followed by the command or question. There are now other wake words that can be said, including “Amazon” and “Computer.” Alexa can also control multiple devices across a home, and is even skilled at recognizing multiple voices. For instance, if two different users say “Alexa, play my date night playlist,” Alexa will play the appropriate music based on who said the command. But for all Alexa’s strengths, she still needs a bit of manual manipulation to appropriately access all the features.
Alexa App Windows
As the Windows app has not been released quite yet, it is difficult to say exactly how it will differ from the mobile app. Currently, the app gives users access to quite a few helpful features. From the menu of the app, users can view grocery lists, manage smart home devices, and access Alexa’s settings (change the wake word, Alexa’s language, etc.). The app also gives suggestions for phrases to try out with Alexa and the ability to set routines. Routines allow users to shorten the commands they give Alexa. For instance, instead of saying, “Alexa, open up the Wallstreet Journal and turn on the living room lights”, users can say “Alexa, start my day.” While some features like viewing shopping lists can be convenient on a phone, managing Alexa skills and settings may be easier when viewed on a larger screen, like Alexa app Windows.
Alexa For Windows
Although the app specifically for Windows computers is not yet available, Alexa can be accessed from a computer. By going to http://alexa.amazon.com and logging into the Alexa account, users can adjust settings and do nearly everything through the site as they can do on the app. Alexa messaging and Echo to Echo calling only works on a phone app, however. Messaging makes sense, as Alexa will need to access a user’s contact list in order to determine who to call or message.
Alexa versus Cortana
Amazon’s plan with the release of the Alexa app Windows is to cater to more than just Echo owners. They want everyone who owns a Windows PC to ask Alexa questions. However, owners of Windows devices know that there is already a default virtual assistant, Cortana. There were plans for Alexa and Cortana to merge, however, the companies missed their deadline. Amazon decided to release Alexa anyway, coming Spring of 2018.
While users will now have the option of choosing either assistant, it may not come down to much of a choice. Among the virtual assistants, the Google Assistant and Alexa are top ranking, while Cortana does not often get mentioned. While Echo owners may want to utilize Alexa for Echo control as well as computer control, others may find it easier to keep the two separate. With the release of the app, users will have the option to test out the Amazon Alexa app Windows and Cortana to determine how well the two do against one another.