Amazon just announced that its Alexa for PC app is now available for download on compatible Windows 10 devices. At this point, you can’t use it to control your PC, but Amazon said that capability should arrive early next year.
Move over, Cortana. Windows 10 PC users now have access to another virtual assistant: Alexa.
Amazon just announced that its Alexa for PC app is now available for download on compatible Windows 10 devices. Head over to the Windows Store to grab it for free. This is good news for Windows 10 PC owners, especially those who already use Alexa on a smart speaker like Amazon’s Echo.
«With Alexa for PC, customers have access to thousands of the same capabilities they already love about Alexa,» Amazon said in a statement. «Just tap-to-talk to control smart home devices, ask questions, set timers and alarms, manage your calendar, access tens of thousands of skills, and more.»
Once you download the app, you’ll need to sign in to your Amazon account or create one. From there, simply tap the Alexa button and speak a question or command such as «Alexa, what’s on my calendar today?» or «Alexa, read me a book.» Alexa works with your PC’s microphone and speakers, so you don’t need an Echo or any additional hardware to use it on your computer.
The app does have some limitations, however. At this point, you can’t use it to control your PC, but Amazon said that capability should arrive early next year. It also does not support video or communications features, Spotify, or Pandora right now. The app is only available in the US, UK, and Germany, but Amazon plans to launch it in more locations next year.
Alexa already comes pre-installed in some PCs, such as the Acer Spin 3, which earned a «good» rating in PCMag’s review. With «Alexa Built-in» PCs, you can use the virtual assistant hands-free.
