Alexa can now be tried out without by iOS users through an iPhone app for just $4.99 instead of having to buy an Amazon Echo device for $180.
The digital assistant from Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has a lot of features that users can take advantage of especially if they have other Internet-connected devices at home. However, they would need a supported hub first in order for them to control Alexa.
Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone users can now experience the power of Alexa through a closely-named app called Lexi. The iOS app uses the services API of the digital assistant which lets them to use its services without the need for an Amazon device.
Users will have to have an Amazon account, though. They will be able to command and talk to Alexa just like with Siri.
Tapping the app will alert the digital assistant that a command will be given. After which, the tap should be released as the request would then be processed by the app.
For instance, a user can ask Alexa or Lexi to provide the current weather report for the user's location. The digital assistant can also be asked for jokes.
Despite the amazing features, the Lexi app for iOS is still quite limited. It does not work with any of Amazon's other online services, according to Mashable. Other third-party streaming services are also not supported.
Still, the roster of features the app justifies its $4.99 price on the App Store. It can also be a short try-out method for those who are looking to buy an Amazon Echo, which costs $180.
In addition, users can just talk to Alexa instead of having to scream at a distant Echo device in their home. Another option is to just buy both the app and an Alexa-powered device.
For users who really don't want to spend any money but want to try out the digital assistant, they can download the Roger App for the iOS and Android platform, according to The Next Web. Roger is free and has highly similar features to Lexi.
Whether users choose Lexi or Roger for their app, the devices and services using Alexa continues to increase. Amazon's digital assistant is slowly becoming more famous and useful.