NEWS  Apps  December 1, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Amazon has officially launched a long-anticipated redesign of its Alexa app for both Android and iOS, revealing a new look that bears a remarkable similarity to Google Home. The refreshed app not only introduces a sleek aesthetic but also brings in new functionalities to enhance user experience.

The homepage now boasts a customizable "Favorites" section, offering quick controls for smart home devices, along with live previews of cameras. Additionally, users will find a section at the top dedicated to commonly used device types, such as smart lighting. Amazon has introduced a "Home Shortcuts" feature allowing customization of shopping lists, alarms, routines, and more, all easily accessible from the Shortcuts bar on the Home page.

The "Devices" tab organizes a list of smart home devices, complete with filters for efficient navigation. Users can create groups for devices located in specific areas, facilitating easy management, whether it be in the bedroom or kitchen.

A dedicated Alexa button and the return of features like Map View, which displays devices on a home floorplan, add to the functionality. 

The timing of Amazon's redesign seems to echo Google's move, as the resemblance between the two apps is striking. From the Favorites section to the device list, Amazon's new Alexa app appears to have drawn inspiration from Google Home's major redesign launched in late 2022.

Amazon emphasizes the need to cater to customers with more than 20 devices connected to Alexa, echoing Google's focus on the average US household having 25 connected devices.

However, one notable difference lies in Amazon's inclusion of ads within the Alexa app, visible in the "More" tab. While Google has also dabbled in promotional notifications, Amazon's approach seems more persistent. 

The new Amazon Alexa app is now available for Android and iOS users, bringing a fresh look and enhanced features to streamline smart home management.

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