Amazon Alexa can now be used to send SMS to Android smartphones

Amazon is now adding an interesting feature to its Alexa voice assistant. What's this new feature? Well, the updated Alexa will now allow users to send text messages using their voice. Users can now ask the voice assistant on Echo or other supported speakers and dictate the message. Once that is done Alexa will send it to the users' selected contacts.

Currently, the feature has gone live for users in the U.S. It basically works if other users have an Alexa-powered speaker connected to an Android device where they will also need to be signed into their Amazon account.

Amazon Echo Plus: How to Setup, Add Skills and Give Commands

The person who owns an Echo device he/she will receive the message through Amazon's Alexa messaging service. If the person doesn't have an Alexa powered speaker, then users will receive the message via SMS on their device. If you ask Alexa to "send a text message," it will automatically be sent via SMS right away. Notably, the feature will be available to Android devices only.

In order to use this feature, users will have to first set it up. First, they have to launch the Alexa app and sign up for Alexa Calling & Messaging. Then they can tap the Conversations button, and select 'Contacts., then 'My Profile.' After that, they will need to enable "Send an SMS" and accept the Android OS permission request. Once it is ready you can ask Alexa with a voice command to your speaker and say, "Send an SMS to (contact name)."

This feature will be very useful mostly in cases when users have their hands full. Besides, users who are sometimes lazy to type can also benefit from this feature. Users can say the message aloud and the speakers will pick it up and then Alexa will send the message right away.

Meanwhile, TechCrunch has reported that Amazon will not likely bring the feature for iPhone users. The reason being, Apple currently does not offer their messaging API to third-parties. While iPhone users may be missing out on this, the company has not revealed as to when it would roll out SMS support to Alexa in the international markets.