[ad_1]
Amazon's Alexa app has just undergone a major visual redesign focused on helping users set up and control their smart home. From the new Appliances tab in the app, users can view all of their Alexa-enabled devices and groups on one screen, instead of switching between tabs. And the application is also much more colorful. Instead of a set of white icons on a dark background, Alexa's device groups, such as Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, etc., now have colorful backgrounds so you can find the one with you need at a glance.
A redesign of the appliances section was necessary, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because Alexa owners cater with more than one smart device.
According to a report by Nielsen on the adoption of smart speakers released earlier this month, 4 out of 10 American smart home owners now own more than one device, for example. Sales of smart appliances for the home are also expected to reach nearly $ 96 billion in 2018 and reach $ 155 billion in 2023, according to another report.
Amazon itself sells a variety of smart devices, such as Cloud Cam, Ring Bells and Ring Cameras. And it just introduced a mess of new Alexa-compatible devices at an event in Seattle last month, including everything from wall clocks to subwoofers to Alexa microwaves.
It is clear that the retailer expects people to continue to build their smart home and its application must adapt accordingly.
In the new version of the application, the device types are displayed as icons at the top of the screen – starting with the devices "Echo & Alexa" and then "Lights "," Audio "," Plugs ", etc. Below are the colored groups of devices per room, each with its own "On / Off" button.
A small "+" button at the top right of the screen allows you to easily add your latest device.
The addition of Bluetooth speakers to multi-room music groups is also now supported, indicates the text of the update of the application.
The new design also simplifies calling, messaging or "moving" on your other Alexa devices. The latter is the feature that turns the Echo speakers into a voice controlled intercom system, triggered by the "Alexa, let pass …" followed by the name of the device. This is especially convenient for larger homes, where there is an upper and lower floor, for example, or to join family members in another part of the house. You can also connect to trusted contacts, such as a grandmother or grandfather.
Now, these communication options each have their own button at the top of the app's email screen. So you can press a button to call, send a message or connect, as you prefer.
The new Alexa app is available on the iOS App Store. Amazon has not made any official announcement about the changes because they are still being rolled out for users after the update.
Source link
