Amazon Alexa: Top-notch virtual assistant for Windows
Alexa is a free voice-controlled virtual assistant created by Amazon. With its help, you can control the smart devices available in your home, set alarms, start a stopwatch, update your calendar, access different apps, and ask questions. While the assistant has been around for a while now, it has only just been released for Windows computers.
Designed to compete against Microsoft’s Cortana, Amazon Alexa app download provides all the functions that you have come to expect from the former. However, the application doesn’t yet have many features when it comes to controlling your computer. As per Amazon, these functionalities may get added in the near future. If you plan to download Alexa, you may also want to explore other productivity tools like Microsoft Whiteboard, Peakon, Freeplane, and Trello.
What can you do with Amazon Alexa?
Amazon’s Alexa is a popular virtual assistant that has several skills and features. It can help you switch on smart devices like fans, televisions, and light bulbs. It can also book cab rides, connect to popular applications, and answer all your questions accurately. It responds to voice commands and textual inputs, making it easier for users to utilize its many features.
How to install Amazon Alexa on Windows 11?
To integrate Amazon Alexa into your Windows 11 experience, begin by downloading the Alexa app. Upon first launching the app, a setup prompt appears. Click Get Started to initiate the setup process. This involves signing in with your Amazon account and agreeing to the terms and conditions by selecting Agree & Continue.
Next, you'll be given a choice between using Alexa hands-free or activating it via a button click. Opting for hands-free allows voice activation similar to Echo devices, although it might consume more battery as the app remains in a constant listening state. Enable this by turning on the Wake Word switch, which can be deactivated later if needed. The app will also request access to your microphone, to which you should click Allow.
The final step in the setup involves two pre-selected options: Launch App On Sign-in To This Computer and Pin App In The Taskbar. You have the freedom to uncheck either or both options, or adjust them later. Finalize the setup by clicking Finish Setup.
Following this, you'll receive confirmation messages for the two options. Confirm your desire to have the Alexa app run on Windows login and pin it to the taskbar by clicking Enable and Yes, respectively. Once the Alexa app opens, click Get Started to begin exploring its features. You'll be invited to test various voice requests to ensure the app responds effectively to your voice commands.
How does the Amazon Alexa app work?
Once you complete downloading Alexa on your Windows PC, sign in using your Amazon account. In case you don’t already have one, you can easily create a new account from this log-in screen. Next, you’ll be able to connect with Alexa and complete various tasks.
To begin using the Amazon Alexa app, simply tap on the available button and give a command. You can even ask a question that you have. These questions can be personal, as well as generic. For example, you can ask Alexa about your upcoming tasks or get details about the weather.
Since Alexa works with the help of your device’s speakers and microphone, you don’t need any additional device to use the software. All you have to do is tap the button and ask Alexa to set reminders, check the calendar, control your home’s smart devices, get news updates, play a movie on your smart TV, and book appointments.
The only drawback of the app is that you can't control your Windows device. However, this functionality is expected to be added soon. In addition to this, the Alexa app is currently only available in the UK, US, and Germany. According to the company, it will be launched in other parts of the world by next year.
What are the features of Amazon Alexa?
One of the best parts about downloading the Amazon Alexa app on your Windows computer is that it lets you perform all functions that you would otherwise only be able to do using Amazon Echo. As mentioned above, you can use the app to control your smart devices, update daily tasks, check content, create shopping lists, and access other services.
You can control Alexa using a button or via voice commands. For the latter, all you need to do is call out ‘Alexa’, and the app will get activated. The app has moved on from just being a device-based assistant and has become more of a productivity tool. For example, users can take notes, listen to music, control the speaker volume, and so much more.
There are still a few functionalities missing, but the developers plan to add additional features soon. Some of the features that aren’t currently available with Amazon Alexa latest version are calls, videos, Spotify controls, and other Windows-specific functions. As mentioned before, some features are also only available based on regions, like accessing the music player Pandora app with the Alexa app. Likewise, like the missing features, Amazon plans to roll out the availability of these tools to additional countries in the near future.
What is the difference between Alexa and Echo?
There’s a big difference between Alexa and Echo. While the former is an advanced voice assistant, the latter is just the name of a product created by Amazon. The AI Alexa is also available as part of Amazon Echo. However, the device is only there to facilitate the conversation between you and your voice assistant. Once you download Alexa for Windows, you won’t need an Echo device to control your smart devices or perform other productivity functions.
Which is better Siri or Alexa?
The choice between Siri and Alexa largely depends on your specific hardware and personal needs.
Siri is integrated into Apple's ecosystem, functioning seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watch, and HomePods. If you're already using Apple devices, Siri offers a more integrated experience.
Alexa, on the other hand, is central to Amazon's Echo devices and is also available on a range of other smart devices and apps. It's more versatile in terms of hardware compatibility outside of a single brand's ecosystem.
Our take
If you’re looking for a voice assistant that can help you in completing your various day-to-day tasks, the Amazon Alexa app download is a good choice. The app is highly intuitive and responds to both voice and textual commands. It can also connect with your home’s smart devices so you can operate them while you’re working on your computer. The software also helps you create shopping lists, booking appointments, checking your schedule, capturing experiences, and more.
Should you download it?
Yes. Alexa is an easy-to-use desktop voice assistant that you can download on your Windows PC. It is beginner-friendly, allowing both adults and kids to operate smart devices, check upcoming tasks, and get answers to all your questions. The software adapts to your needs and acts as a handy tool that helps you complete your daily to-do list and manage devices.
