Amazon has expanded its Alexa-powered voice calling and messaging abilities to Fire, Android and iOS tablets for the first time.
Now users of an Amazon Echo device or the official Alexa app will be able to take advantage of the free calling and messaging service that links Alexa-enabled devices.
Amazon’s virtual assistant can already be used to make free voice and video calls between Echo smart speaker devices.
The update means users no longer need to hover over an Echo smart speaker in order to make a call, with Amazon Fire HD10 tablet users able to trigger the feature using just their voice.
Other Fire tablets can be prompted by pressing the home button, while Android and iOS users only have to open the Alexa app to use the feature.
The update also supports Drop In – the Alexa communication tool that enables users to turn different Echo devices around a house into intercoms for quick connections with others nearby.
For users looking to set up and use the feature for the first time, all that’s required is to download the Alexa app and to then verify your mobile number to import contacts.
Amazon confirmed the update would be live and available to users from Monday.
