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Alexa

Amazon introduce male voice option for Alexa’s responses

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To celebrate fifth anniversary of Alexa, Amazon will be announcing offers on best-selling Alexa devices that include Echo smart speakers and Fire TV devices from 2nd – 4th March 2023. Customers can also shop from a curation of smart home gadgets and Alexa built-in devices from brands such as boat, Noise, Philips, Syska and more.

“It is humbling to see many Indian users enjoy interacting with Alexa as part of their daily routine. Over the past five years, our aim has been to build Alexa from India and for India, and I truly believe that our journey is synonymous to the evolution of ambient computing in the country. As we look ahead, our focus remains on bringing to life newer voice, touch, motion and vison-enabled experiences for consuming entertainment, completing tasks, and accessing information”, said Dilip R.S., Country Manager for Alexa, Amazon India.

From Jan-Dec 2022, requests to Alexa for music increased by almost 53%, with customers streaming songs through providers such as Amazon Prime Music, Spotify, JioSaavn and Apple Music. Customers placed 600% more requests on Alexa-enabled Fire TV devices searching and controlling play back of their favourite content. They enjoyed making hands-free bill payments with Alexa on Echo devices, transactions increased by 102%. Requests to Alexa for controlling smart home appliances increased by 515%. Customers’ love for interacting with Alexa is reflected in the questions such as “Alexa, how are you”, and “Alexa, I love you”, an increase of 214% and 275% respectively.

For the first-time, Indian users will be able to switch between Alexa’s original voice and a new masculine sounding voice. The new voice can respond in both English and Hindi languages. Users can change Alexa’s voice by saying “Alexa, change your voice” on the Echo device or from the Alexa app by going to individual device setting and selecting Alexa’s voice. Customers can use any of the wake words including Alexa, Echo, Computer and Amazon to ask questions in English, Hindi and Hinglish.

For more information about the deals visit https://amazon.in/alexadeals as they go live at 12:00 AM on 2nd March 2023 and discover exciting things to try and get more out of your Alexa-enabled device.

Amazon’s Echo Show 8 features an 8-inch HD screen along with stereo sound

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Building up on Echo Show 5, Amazon’s new Echo Show 8 is made to do more than just manage the consumer’s day with Alexa’s smart features. The Amazon Echo Show 8 consists of an 8-inch HD display and stereo sound, allowing users to easily view latest TV shows, movies and more. Echo Show 8 users can also choose to speak to Alexa in Hindi and for convenience, change the language settings of the device right from the device as well. Echo Show 8 will be available for a limited period launch offer of Rs. 8,999.

Supporting HD video, users can get access to movies and TV shows on Amazon Prime Video and Voot, and can also watch music videos on Hungama Music. With two 2” 10W speakers, Echo Show 8 allows streaming music from Amazon Prime Music, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Gaana, Hungama and more. The Echo Show 8 runs on a MediaTek MT 8163 processor and is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices.

Echo Show 8 also brings the same smart home management features that you find on other Alexa-enabled devices. Enjoy hands-free control of compatible smart home devices or through the interactive screen of Echo Show 8 – ranging from controlling smart lights, viewing security cameras, to managing routines of allowing Alexa to switch on geysers or ACs through smart plugs. One can also connect to other Echo devices at home that can help parents to check in on their kids from time to time.

In addition to that, Echo Show 8 users can set timers, watch news bulletins, check for weather or traffic, ask for sports scores, movie timings, update their to-do lists, create calendar events, reminders and do much more. With a 1MP built-in camera, Echo Show 8 enables users to make video calls to those who have Skype, other Echo devices with a screen, or the Alexa app. Echo Show 8 also supports voice calls and messaging.

Echo Show 8 will be available from February 26, 2020.

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Amazon announces Echo Auto in India

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Amazon has finally launched the Echo Auto in India. A dedicated Alexa-enabled device for cars, it can be plugged into the car’s 12V charging socket or USB port while the audio is routed through the car’s stereo via 3.5mm cable or Bluetooth. 

Since the device requires a constant internet connection, Echo Auto needs to be connected to the user’s smartphone with the Alexa app that allows to play music, listen to audiobooks, make calls, ask for directions and even send text messages (Android). 

Echo Auto is priced at Rs. 4,999 and will be available from January 15.

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