Amazon’s answer to Apple’s Siri has gained plenty of ground recently in the world of voice-controlled virtual assistants. But until recently, you had to own an Echo device to utilize Amazon’s proprietary “Alexa” voice services.
However, with the release of a new app called Lexi by developer Bluetoo Ventures, this limitation is no more. Lexi allows iOS 9 users to take advantage of most of the features previously reserved for Echo owners.
Here are some of the prominent features:
- Control your Smart Devices away from home
- Re-order products from Amazon
- Ask Lexi to give you a flash briefing for your news
- Find out if there is traffic on your commute
- Add items to your shopping, to do lists
- Check sports scores, movie listings and times
- Get recommendations for local restaurants
- Get information about local businesses
- Ask about the weather forecast
- Use any Alexa Skill available
Unfortunately, Lexi doesn’t support music and audio book playback, or set timers or alarms at this time.
The app is $4.99 and requires an Amazon account, whereas Siri is free and is built directly into iOS. Still, it’s nice to know there are other applicants for your virtual personal assistant position.
If you’re interested in Lexi’s services, you download the app here: itunes.apple.com/us/app/lexi-for-alexa-voice-services/id1092933088?mt=8
Not an Amazon product, it’s put out by a third party developer using Alexa APIs.
Good catch! Edited for clarification.