Amazon iOS Users Can Now Text Alexa Questions and Requests

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Amazon has added a new feature to its Alexa app for iOS devices, which is designed to allow users to type Alexa commands rather than having to use voice commands to interact with the personal assistant.

amazon alexa typing
In a statement provided to The Verge, Amazon says that Type with Alexa is a new feature that's available as of today in public preview capacity in the United States. Alexa iOS users can type anything that would normally require a voice command into the app.

Type with Alexa can be accessed by tapping on the keyboard icon in the top left of the main menu in the app. Amazon says that the feature is still in beta, so there could be some errors. Customers will need to be a part of the public preview program to access the type with Alexa feature.

Apple's built-in Siri assistant has had a type to Siri option since iOS 11, allowing users to type in requests rather than having to speak them aloud, and Google Assistant has a similar feature.

Tags: Amazon, Alexa

Top Rated Comments

MisterSavage Avatar
MisterSavage
33 months ago
I'd like "features I would never use" for $100 please.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Capeto Avatar
Capeto
33 months ago
Wonder if Shortcuts can be used for this - it might make Smart home integration easier.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
Apple Knowledge Navigator
33 months ago
Interesting feature. I want to imagine it was designed for accessibility, though the cynic in me says it’s to waive any notion of spying/detecting commerce opportunities through its microphone.

Which it will continue to do anyway...
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
schlitzz Avatar
schlitzz
33 months ago
There's some really LONELY people out there in Cleveland, OH.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrGimper Avatar
MrGimper
33 months ago

Will and would never happen but I’d give anything if Alexa was an option for a voice assistant on iOS devices. Siri just pales in comparison in every way to Alexa. It’s not even close.
I use Siri to set timers on my watch, for everything else I use Alexa. I don't even bother looking for stuff to be HomeKit compatible.... my hue lights, blink cameras, ring doorbell, xbox, tp-link plugs, Sonos, all work with Alexa flawlessly.

It's hard to imagine that Siri came out with the 4s all those years ago, and is still essentially garbage
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NMBob Avatar
NMBob
33 months ago
That would be handy for in-progress home invasion break-ins to keep from getting heard: "Alexa, release the dobermans."
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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