Amazon recently launched new Echo devices and it also confirmed that its Echo devices can now call landline and mobile numbers for free. The Amazon Echo, Echo Show, and Echo Dot have all gained the ability to make voice calls to mobile and landline numbers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico for free. It’s also possible to receive calls on the Echo devices but it’s not free.
In order to receive calls on the Echo devices from regular numbers, users will have to purchase a new Connect box that Amazon has launched. It costs $35. The device will enable users to use their home telephone number for Echo calls. It will even allow them to dial 911 and international or premium rate numbers.
This follows the Alexa calling functionality that Amazon originally rolled out. However, the feature only enabled users to call other Amazon Echo owners to people who had the Alexa app on their smartphones. They can now call anyone in their contacts list with an Echo device or even speak a specific number for the device to dial.
Users have to set up this feature first. Once they have done that, their mobile number is linked to the device. That’s what shows up for the recipients when they place a call using an Echo device. Users do get the option to opt out of displaying their number, in that case, the recipient will see “unknown caller” when they’re called via the Echo device.
Filed in . Read more about Amazon and Amazon Echo. Source: theverge