Amazon Alexa Calling: Free Voice Calls & Messaging on Echo Devices
Amazon has announced Alexa Calling, a new feature that will enable free voice calls and messaging services on all Echo devices, as well as through the Alexa app for smartphones.
The feature, currently in beta, allows users to make calls and send messages to other Alexa Calling users, as well as those with the Alexa app installed. It is expected to be available to all users soon.
One of the most interesting aspects of Alexa Calling is the “Drop In” feature. This allows users to make a call to someone without them even answering the phone first. Think of it as the 21st-century equivalent of walking straight into someone’s house.
Amazon emphasizes that Drop In is opt-in and designed for communication with close family members, such as checking in on elderly relatives, or letting your family in another room know it’s time for dinner.
Alexa Calling is another step in Amazon’s ongoing efforts to expand the functionality of the Echo devices and Alexa assistant. With this new feature, Amazon aims to make the Echo more of a central part of home communications and potentially disrupt the traditional telecommunications industry.
