In another huge move when it comes to companies teaming up, Amazon has added support for Microsoft’s Skype network to their Alexa speakers, allowing you to make and take Skype calls from your Alexa speakers.
Sounds like this is going to be a major blow to the Cortana speaker, but it will more than likely result in a lot more user participation now thanks to the incredible success of the Alexa speaker sales over the Cortana speaker.
You can now call anyone who has a Skype account by simply saying “Alexa, call Jeff on Skype” (obviously you swap the name out with anyone in your Skype contacts), and the speaker (Alexa) will start to ring that person. That person can then answer from any Skype supported device and have a conversation with you (smartphones, tablets, PCs and so forth). This allows you to make free and unlimited phone calls to anywhere in the world over the internet without having to go through your phone to accomplish this (as long as both users have a registered Skype account).
In addition to this, the video equipped Alexa devices also support video calls, allowing both callers to see each other.
When a Skype users calls you, Alexa will announce the incoming call, allowing you to take the call hands free within seconds.
This is a major win for Alexa, adding to its already sound success record as a digital assistant. Eventually, there won’t be much that these devices can’t do, outside of having a normal full and open conversation with you (we are still a bit a ways from that, but we will get there eventually).
To get started, visit the Alexa app on your mobile devices, go to the menu, then settings and finally communication. You can enable Skype and follow the instructions on the screen. Go ahead, give it a try! Call Mom, she deserves it!
You can learn more about Skype calling with Alexa right here on their website.
