What is Alexa?
Alexa is Amazon’s cloud-based voice service available on more than 100 million devices from Amazon and third-party device manufacturers.
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 log in 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.
While it is possible to use your phone the page is optimized for desktop and doesn’t work as well, but should provide the functionality you need.
On Android
Another alternative available to Android users would be to download the files outside the Play Store from a site such as APKmonk, but sites like this have a bad rep for piracy so we don’t feel comfortable linking directly to their site. Don’t worry though, as Amazon Alexa is free and as such, there is no real problem downloading the app from sites like APKPure. If you do want to download it this way simply search for it on the site, check if the website guarantees it’s safe to use then download it onto your phone. Go to your phone downloads and run it and it should work out fine.
Can you use Alexa without an Amazon account?
No, you cannot. It is Amazon’s rival to Apple Siri and Google Assistant. It can help users set alarms, make calls, control smart devices, play games, and more by giving voice commands to Alexa. To use Alexa, users need to have an Amazon account, however, an Amazon Prime membership is not required.
Does Alexa need Wi-Fi?
Alexa devices need a WiFi connection to function properly. When you ask Alexa a question or use a voice command, an audio recording is sent to Amazon’s cloud over your WiFi network. Then it is processed and sent back to your device over WiFi so Alexa can answer your question or fulfill your request.
What is Alexa mostly used for?
Alexa is a voice-controlled virtual assistant. She can play audio, control your smart home, answer questions, and engage your favorite services to keep you organized, informed, safe, connected, and entertained. As a product of Amazon, she’s also your personal shopper.