Amazon’s Echo devices are functional without the Amazon Echo app (Alexa app), however their functions greatly improve when the app is downloaded. Without the app, owners of an Amazon Echo Dot can say, “Alexa, play Van Morrison” and the virtual assistant will play songs through Amazon Music. With the Amazon Echo app, however, users can manage songs in the app to customize their song requests or upgrade their subscription. The Echo app, or Alexa app, is easy to download and can be used on an array of different devices other than Echo products. This article will explain how to download the app, use its basic functions, and give other suggestions on how it can be used on different devices.
Echo App
The Amazon Echo app is easy to download onto a smartphone. Simply go to the application app on the smart device and search for Amazon Alexa. Download, and either sign into your account or sign up for an account. If you already have an Echo device in your home, just make sure it is turned on. The app should recognize the device. If you have multiple devices, or are adding a new device, the app will provide different menus for you to access the different functions of each device. For users that wish to access the app via desktop browser, go to https://alexa.amazon.com. The app is not currently available for download onto computers, however in Spring 2018 that will change. Windows will be incorporating Alexa into newly released computers and owners of older models will be able to download the app.
Echo App Functions
There are numerous functions the Amazon Echo app can bring to Echo owners. While users can verbally tell Alexa to add items to a shopping list, she won’t be there to repeat the list back to you in the grocery store. The list can be reviewed and edited in the app, making shopping easy. Amazon Alexa comes with more functions than users typically think, thanks to Skills. By activating an Amazon Skill, users can do things like order pizza, play games, and start a fitness routine. Through the Amazon Echo app, Echo owners can search for new Skills, learn the proper phrasing to talk to Alexa, or disable old ones.
Users with smart devices and an Echo device can use the app to control and sync their devices. The Echo Plus in particular acts as a smart hub for devices such as the Nest Thermostat and Phillips Hue bulbs. By pre-coordinating devices through the app, users can say, “Alexa, nighttime” to dim lights, lock the front door, and set the security system.
Amazon Echo App For Sonos
The Amazon Echo app gives functionality to people who own devices other than Echo products. Sonos makes smart speakers that bring booming sound to homes. The products range from the smaller Sonos One to the giant PLAY:5. All of the speakers come with Bluetooth capability so they can be connected to Amazon Echo devices. The Amazon Echo Sonos combination requires that users download the Alexa app in addition to the Sonos app (the Sonos skill can also be used). Through the apps, the two can be synced together. For owners of multiple Sonos speakers, the Sonos app can be used to add a device to the system. After everything is set up, users will be able to say to their Echo device, “Alexa, play Bon Jovi.” Whatever music app is defaulted (e.g., Spotify, Amazon Music) will be the service that the music will play from. This can be changed via the Amazon Echo app.
Amazon Echo App For Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV is a smart television that provides nearly unlimited entertainment. Shows and movies can be streamed through providers such as Netflix and Hulu, and music can be played through numerous apps like Pandora or Spotify. While the Fire TV comes with Alexa already integrated into the smart remote, the Amazon Echo app can be useful for organizing entertainment and syncing the TV to existing Echo devices. For instance, if losing remotes is common in your home, you can use the Alexa app to sync your Echo device with the Fire TV so all commands can be said verbally. Simply say, “Alexa, play Stranger Things on Netflix” for quick entertainment.