Last month, Amazon announced a handful of new Alexa devices, including next-generation Echo devices, all-new Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite, as well as the new WiFi 6-compatible eero Pro 6 and eero 6 mesh systems. The company had also rolled out a Telus Optik TV integration skill for Alexa.
For October 2020, below are the top Alexa updates you should know about.
Alexa Auto Mode
On October 1st, Amazon announced Auto Mode, a new Alexa feature for your vehicle. Auto Mode in the Alexa app lets you see and do more with your Echo Auto and supported Alexa Auto accessories by turning your phone into a smart, driver-friendly display that enhances Alexa’s in-vehicle voice experience.
Auto Mode offer easy to read visuals, large touch targets and intuitive features and shortcuts for the most common Alexa interactions used in the vehicle, like navigating to saved locations, placing calls to contacts and Alexa devices, and playing recent media.
eero for Service Providers
On October 6th, eero introduced eero for Service Providers, an all-new premium hardware and software offering designed specifically to help ISPs meet customers’ increasing demands for exceptional home wifi.
Beginning this November, eero for Service Providers will bring together real-time, actionable insights, advanced security measures and whole-home mesh wifi systems to help ISPs offer fast, reliable wifi and create new opportunities to improve the customer experience.
Apple Podcasts on Alexa
As of October 8th, Alexa customers in Canada are officially able to listen to podcasts through Apple Podcasts on their Echo and Fire TV devices. Customers can link their account in the Alexa app using their Apple ID and start listening on their device.
Alexa for Fire TV
As of October 21st, Amazon expanded its hands-free capabilities for controlling Fire TV with Alexa-enabled devices. Now, you can put down the remote and dive straight into your favorite movies or TV shows with the sound of your voice.
Pairing your Alexa-enabled device with Fire TV is simple. Just ask Alexa to play a title, such as “Alexa, play Jack Ryan,” on the device you would like to use for hands-free controls. You can ask Alexa to open an app or search for content to pair your devices as well.
