Alexa is getting smarter and more complex every single day by finding new ways of applying learned behaviours to new and different scenarios. Currently built into more than 100,000,000 devices worldwide, Alexa and the Echo suite of devices continue to evolve.
Here are the top Amazon devices updates you should know for November 2021.
TikTok now available on Fire TV
On November 1, Amazon announced that Fire TV owners can now view and discover all their favourite TikTok videos on the biggest screen in their home – simply say, Alexa, show me TikTok.”
To get started, visit the Appstore to download the app, sign in or create an account, and you’ll be able to view your TikTok feeds – including “For You” and “Following” – as well as some of the most popular content across the service on the Discover page.
Updated iOS experience for Amazon Photos
As of November 1, Amazon launched an updated customer experience for Amazon Photos on iOS devices including simplified navigation, better organization, and streamlined access to photos. Customers can now search people, dates and albums and much more hands-free on screened devices using Alexa.
Introducing the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor
On November 3, Amazon announced the launch of its new Smart Air Quality Monitor which accurately measures the presence of indoor particles, a source of allergens and toxins, to empower customers to make necessary changes to improve their daily health.
The device measures temperature, humidity, dust, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide, which makes it especially helpful if you or your loved ones have allergies or experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chronic headaches.
In-call video effects for everyone
On November 9, Amazon launched its new Alexa video calling feature that lets Echo Show and Alexa app customers turn on augmented reality (AR) effects and animated emoji reactions for video calls.
To use, you can tap the on-screen Effects button when on an Alexa video call to start augmented reality (AR) effects and filters, or tap the smiley face icon to deliver short animated reactions, like hearts, laughs, confetti and more.
Print using just your voice with Alexa Print
On November 18, Amazon announced the launch of Alexa Print in Canada, a new way to print lists, recipes, games and educational content using voice commands. This feature works with second generation Echo devices or newer.
Alexa for PC
On November 11, Amazon announced the expansion of Show Mode, a voice-first, interactive Alexa experience for compatible Windows 10 and 11 PCs. Previously, Lenovo users had exclusive access to Show Mode on their PCs.
Now with a few quick and easy steps, any compatible Windows 10 or 11 PC user can set up Show Mode on the app and say, “Alexa, open Show Mode” or walk away from the device and watch it magically turn into a smart display similar to an Echo Show when idle.
Alexa launches new voice option
As of November 16, customers in Canada are now able to choose between Alexa’s original voice and a new voice option. Just say, “Alexa, change your voice!” to choose between the sound of Alexa’s original voice or the new voice option.
For English and French-speaking bilingual customers, the new voice can now respond in both languages when multi-lingual mode is enabled.
