Type With Alexa Lets iPhone Users Text Questions & Commands - Screen Rant

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The Amazon Alexa iOS app has now gained the ability for iPhone users to text questions and commands. Alexa is already more than capable of listening out for spoken commands and responding, but there are always going to be occasions when having an alternate method of communication is more beneficial. With this latest update, iPhone users can now make the choice of whether they would prefer to text or speak to Alexa, as and when needed.

Besides the basic functionality that comes as with an Alexa device, users can also download Alexa skills, allowing those same devices to recognize additional commands and do more. In fact, Alexa's voice-controlled experience is now so widespread that many users can engage with the voice assistant without using a smartphone. However, with phones tending to be always within arm's reach, they remain a more accessible option for quick access to a virtual assistant like Alexa.

With this new update to the Alexa iOS app, iPhone users now have the option of using their smartphone to text commands to Alexa, rather than speaking directly to the device. After having been first spotted by The Ambient as a feature that's technically in testing, other outlets including The Verge have since confirmed ‘Type with Alexa’ is now available to all iOS Alexa app users based in the United States. For those interested in giving Type with Alexa a try, simply download the latest version of the Alexa iOS app from the App Store, launch the keyboard, and type a question or command.

Benefits Of Texting Alexa

The obvious example of how typing commands to Alexa can be more beneficial is not having to worry about speaking out loud. This makes the new Type with Alexa feature especially useful during times where noise might cause a disruption, such as when watching a movie with friends or family, or when a baby is asleep nearby. However, another useful reason is that voice assistants don't always understand what someone is saying when issuing voice commands or asking questions, often requiring the user to repeat the command/question, speak slower, or abandon the action altogether. In theory, these situations can all be avoided when texting Alexa.

While nothing can beat the convenience of speaking a command to an Alexa device, whether it is a smartphone or a smart speaker, having the option to choose between voice and spoken interactions not only makes the Alexa app more useful, but also more accessible to a wider number of users. That is, as long as they are using an iPhone, considering there's currently no word on when Type with Alexa will arrive on Android.

More: How To Manage Alexa Smart Home Devices Using The App

Source: The Ambient

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Joe Gvora (46 Articles Published)

Joe Gvora is an Internet Trends Writer for Screen Rant. Having written professionally since 2011, Joe has penned reviews and web content on behalf of countless businesses and marketing agencies. Residing in Northeast Ohio, Joe is also an avid enthusiast for technology, video games, design, sports, and entertainment. From bold fonts to crafty new tech, there is no piece of handiwork Joe cannot appreciate.