Amazon updates Alexa app with new customization options, focusing on smart home controls

The Alexa app has been updated with new customization options and a focus on smart home controls. With these updates, customers should be able to access their favorite features, easily control their devices, and jump into device settings in just a few taps.

• Favorites: Access your most-used devices and features on the Home page through Favorites. Supported device types include Echos, lights, plugs, switches, locks, cameras, thermostats, and temperature sensors, with more to come.
• Home Shortcuts bar: The Shortcuts bar on the Home page organizes devices by category and displays popular Alexa features like shopping lists, alarms, and Routines. You can customize the rotating carousel at the top of the Home page and view the state of your connected devices directly from Shortcuts.
• Streamlined Activity section: Activity cards now stack to show time-sensitive information like timers, alarms, and reminders. This frees up space on the Home page.
• Camera snapshots: If you subscribe to Ring Protect, you can soon view up to six snapshots from your connected Ring cameras directly from the Home page under Favorites.
• Chat and type with Alexa: Accessing Alexa chat is now easier with the new streamlined feature in the Alexa app. Simply tap the blue chat indicator to enjoy a full-screen chat experience, view visual responses, and receive conversation prompts.
• New search controls: The Devices page lets you filter content by device type, sort devices alphabetically by newest, oldest, or newest, and search for devices by name or keywords. You can also flip between List View and Map View to access a holistic view of your connected devices throughout your home.
• Map View: Select customers in the U.S. who have compatible iOS devices. They can now create a digital floor plan of their home and pin their connected devices to it. This feature provides an easy-to-understand visual representation of the home layout. It allows quick access to control smart home devices without navigating multiple lists or apps.

The new Alexa app features are available now in the Alexa iOS and Android mobile apps. More about it here.