Amazon: Alexa app for Windows 10 receives call functions

Amazon has released a major update for the Alexa app for Windows 10 devices. This means that more Alexa functions are now available on Windows 10 devices. Above all, the integration of the call functions can be useful in order to be able to call others from the computer via Alexa.

With the new version of the Alexa app, there is a revised interface with special areas for music, smart home control and communication. Devices or contacts can be called under Communication. This can be done either on the screen or by voice command. In addition to video calls, drop-in calls are also supported. A call is set up directly to another Alexa device, provided this function is switched on on the device. The call functions in the Alexa app can be of help if home schooling is looming again in the coronavirus pandemic .

The new call functions are incorrectly described in the changelog of the Alexa app in the Windows store . There it falsely says: “This is why we have made the popular Alexa functions video call and drop-in even easier.” This could be a translation error. The US page of the Windows Store correctly states that the calling functions have been integrated as a new feature. The Amazon website for the Alexa app for Windows 10 , which has not yet been revised and accordingly incorrectly states that call functions are not supported, also shows that the call functions are new.

Music control for selected services

The Alexa app can play music on demand from Amazon Music and Deezer. Amazon promises that Spotify will also be supported, but that didn’t work for us. While it is claimed that Spotify played music, nothing came out of the PC speakers. Apple Music cannot be used with the Alexa app either, but it is pointed out here that it does not work.

Some time ago, Amazon revised the Alexa app for Android and iOS. The most recently used functions are displayed on the start screen so that they can be called up conveniently directly from there. This convenience is not available in the Alexa app for Windows 10 – the start screen does not contain any such options.

Alexa app for Windows 10 (Image: Amazon / Screenshot: Golem.de)

Furthermore, unlike the Alexa app for Android and iOS, no new Alexa devices can be set up or subsequently configured with the Alexa app for Windows 10. The Alexa app also struggles with stability problems. After a short trial period, the app could no longer be used and we had to use the Task Manager to close it manually.

The Alexa app for Windows 10 is available free of charge in the Windows Store. In our case, an update of the app failed and there was neither the new interface nor the new functions. We had to completely uninstall and reinstall the app to take advantage of all of the new features.