What is Alexa?
Amazon Alexa, also known simply as Alexa, is a virtual assistant technology largely based on a Polish speech synthesiser named Ivona, bought by Amazon .
It was first used in the Amazon Echo smart speaker and the Echo Dot, Echo Studio and Amazon Tap speakers developed by Amazon Lab126.
How To Use Alexa In South Africa?
Installing the Alexa App in South Africa
On iOS
If you are on an iOS device, and you’re not jailbroken, you will have to access the Web version of the app. You will have to access it from a laptop or a phone connected to the same wifi as your smart speaker. On your laptop, follow this link and login with your Amazon details. If it does not prompt you to begin the setup for your device go to Settings → Devices → Set up a new device. If you would rather access it from your phone you have to access the same page by following these steps:
- Go to https://alexa.amazon.com on Safari. It should try and tell you to get the Alexa App. Do not do this.
- Hold down the refresh button.
- Select “Request Desktop site”
- Log in with your Amazon details.
- It should prompt you to set up a new device. If it doesn’t go to Settings → Devices → Set up a new device.
What is needed to use Alexa?
In order to use Alexa, you’ll need a device that integrates the voice technology.
This typically means an Amazon device, such as an Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Show, but this cloud-based personal voice assistant has also been integrated into the Echo Auto, and with some third-party systems.
Is there a monthly fee for Alexa?
No, there’s no monthly fee charged for Amazon Alexa. All you need is a stable WiFi connection to make your Echo work.
However, having an Amazon Prime account gives you various benefits of using the Echo.