We’ve come a long way since telephone directories, public libraries, CD players and smoke signals. Now your own private information highway can be unlocked from your living room, with one word, “Alexa!”
Created back in 2014, Alexa is a supermodel virtual assistant, built to complement Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and other smart speakers. She’s cool, calm, and capable of voice interaction, pulling up searches, playing music, or syncing with other devices for higher automation.
You can download the Alexa App for iOS or Android and use it for a world of different functions. Download the Free App from Google Play or the App Store, and once installed simply tap the button at the top of the interface to communicate to Alexa.
Does the Alexa app update automatically?
Alexa is always updating its software to stay compatible with new Amazon smart speakers heading to market. The good news is that these software updates are initiated automatically and go a long way in bringing better performance and new features to your existing Echo devices. The best part is that all incoming updates are automatic and happen in real-time.
Here are the steps needed to get the latest software on any Alexa device.
- First, make sure your WIFI is on, connected, and uninterrupted.
- Avoid saying anything to the device or using the Alexa app during updates.
- When your updates are ready to be installed, you’ll see the devices ring turn blue. This means the update is in process and usually takes around 15 minutes to complete.
Once the blue light goes off again, you’ll be able to start using your speaker again as normal. Your updates are now in place. But if you do want to make sure, you can visit the Alexa app to compare current software with the latest updates from Amazon online.
How do I check for Alexa updates?
So, if you feel your Amazon Echo smart speaker might be running on outdated software, you can always make sure by comparing information on your Alexa app with the latest Amazon updates. Here’s how you’ll check.
- Open the app and tap the “Menu” icon at the top of your mobile screen.
- Select “Setting” and tap on the Alexa device you’re looking to update.
- Scroll down to the “About” section where you’ll see the “Device Software Version.”
- Compare this to the latest software version and update where needed.
Remember that your Alexa device should automatically update its software from the cloud using a stable wifi connection. If you happen to have an older Echo that hasn't been used for a while, you might need to force updates by pressing the Mute button on the top of the device and leaving it for half an hour. If you still don't see a blue ring at the bottom of the speaker, try unplugging and replugging while tapping the mute button.
What is the latest version of Alexa?
As far as speakers go, the two newest and highest functioning Amazon Echo smart speakers are the 4th Generation Amazon Echo Dot (Software Version: 6208504452) and the 3rd Generation Amazon Echo Show 10 with smart display (Software Version: 22045898884).
Amazon recently released updates to their Alexa functionality, including the option to pair and transfer music from your home device over to your Amazon Echo Buds (for on the go listening), as well as to your car, using the Echo Auto functionality. With the Command “Alexa, TikTok” you can also stream any number of videos using the TikTok app.
How do I update my Alexa app number?
You can add/delete numbers from your Echo Speaker contacts list using the below steps
- Open the Alexa app and navigate to the “Communicate” option.
- From there tap on your “Contacts” icon and select “Add Contact.”
- Enter your new contact details or add someone elses and hit “Save”
New and existing numbers will be saved and you can draw them up at any time using voice search. If you’re looking to change your number on your Amazon account, you’ll need to get in touch with the customer service team who will add the new number to your existing Amazon account profile.
You can reach out to them through your Alexa app by navigating to the “Help & Feedback'' section. Tap “Call Customer Service” and fill out your contact information. Select the issue, verify your information and hit the “Call Me” button. Then, sit tight and wait for an Amazon representative to call you, which will take a few minutes.