Amazon Alexa app gets major redesign with enhanced home controls،
Favorites take center stage
One of the highlights of the updated app is the prominent placement of Favorites on the home page. This feature allows users to quickly access their most used devices and features, including shopping lists, to-do lists, and recently played music. Supported device types include echoes, lights, outlets, switches, locks, cameras, thermostats, and temperature sensors.
Home shortcut bar for organized access
Introducing a Home shortcut bar further improves organization and accessibility. This bar categorizes devices and shows popular Alexa features, such as shopping lists, alarms, and routines. Users can customize the rotating carousel at the top of the homepage according to their preferences. Additionally, the bar provides real-time updates of device status, like the number of lights on or the temperature in a specific room. This feature is currently available to users with 20 or fewer devices, and there are plans to expand it in the coming months.
Simplified activity section
The Activity section has undergone an overhaul, with time-sensitive information like timers, upcoming alarms, and reminders now neatly stacked, reducing clutter on the home page.
Source-Amazon
Camera snapshots for quick monitoring
Ring Protect subscribers can now view up to six snapshots from their connected Ring cameras directly from the home page under Favorites, providing a quick overview of their surroundings.
Unified chat interface
The updated app streamlines the ability to interact with Alexa through chat, providing a single location for voice and text communication. Users can access the chat interface by tapping the blue chat indicator on any page of the app.
Improved device management
The Devices page now offers advanced filtering by device type, options to sort by newest, oldest or alphabetically, and the ability to search for devices by name or keywords. Additionally, users can switch between List view and Map view to get a complete overview of their connected devices throughout their home.
Map view for placement of visual devices
Map View, currently only available as a preview to select customers in the United States, allows users to create a digital map of their home using a compatible iOS device. Connected devices can be pinned to the floor plan, providing a visual representation of the smart home layout. With these updates, the Alexa app aims to deliver a more intuitive and personalized experience, allowing users to access their favorite features, control their devices effortlessly, and manage their smart home seamlessly. The updated app is now available for iOS and Android devices.
