Alexa as a voice assistant has a wide range of applications in smart homes, business, and entertainment. By integrating Alexa, you can control smart devices like home appliances by your voice, listen to your favorite music as well as watching movies and videos through the video-enabled Alexa. Although it had the ability to make both video and voice calls for free, last week they introduced a new feature by which you will be able to make Skype calls. The Skype hands-free calls can be with the new landline numbers or any of your existing contacts. This service is available in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and India. However, it is claimed that the other countries will also receive the service soon. Here are some steps that help you to make Skype calls:
Link your Skype and Amazon accounts together
- tap the menu button on Alexa application
- Choose settings and tap Communications, then select Sign in once you tap the icon next to Skype
- A page will show up and you should tap Yes in order to continue
- in the last step, you need to confirm your setting by tapping Done
If you change your mind and want to unlink them, tap Unlink account.
Make Skype calls or accept incoming calls
“Alexa, Skype John” or “Alexa, call John in Skype” are simple examples of making a Skype call with one of your contact names. In fact, by saying Alexa, Skype (your contact name) the contact from your Skype account will be recognized and the call will be made through Alexa. In case you want to make calls with one of the contacts of your phone, synchronize the phone contacts with your Skype account.
“Alexa, Skype (a number)” used so as to make a call with someone who is not in your contacts. Note that you should read the number out loud! Local business addresses are not included yet.
If you don’t have a Skype phone number, the call receiver would get a call without Caller ID. In other words, synchronization with phone’s Caller ID is not possible. This can be considered as one of the disadvantages of Alexa compared to Google Home Calling.
“Alexa, pick up” and “Alexa, hang up”. These are simple sayings if you intend to answer calls or put them down.
