Alexas

How to use Alexa’s Drop In feature

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Amazon’s Drop In feature has become a useful tool for contacting people in your household, finding out what your kids are up to (especially when they’re being too quiet), and checking in on elderly relatives. It allows you to literally “drop in” using an Alexa-capable device, either just via audio or with audio and video. … Read more

How to set up Alexa’s new Map View, and why you’ll need one of these iOS devices

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Maria Diaz/ZDNET The Amazon Alexa app just got a much-needed upgrade in favor of a better user experience. Amazon announced that the Alexa Map View feature is now available on a preview basis on some devices to make it easier to control smart home devices.  If you’ve ever used the Alexa mobile app to control … Read more

Why I’m signing up for Alexa’s Emergency Assist, and what Steel Magnolias has to do with it

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Alexa Emergency Assist will be supported on every Echo device, from the oldest Echo speaker to the newest Echo Show 8 (pictured). Maria Diaz/ZDNET Do you know what happens if you tell Alexa “I’m scared” several times in a row? The virtual assistant will respond empathetically and tell you to call 911 in an emergency. … Read more