Amazon has not launched an Alexa app for watchOS, but new third-party software lets you sideline Siri on your Apple Watch should you prefer the voice of Alexa.
The app, Voice in a Can, will also work on iPhone and iPad, though the voice assistant won’t do all the things it does on the Amazon Echo.
On the Apple Watch, Voice in a Can works independently of the iPhone. The app developer, Atadore, cautions users that its Alexa app does not support all content, including audiobooks, music, podcasts and “some flash briefings.”
Alexa isn’t on standby like Siri. According to the app description, the watch disconnects from the Alexa service when the screen goes blank. Atadore recommends increasing the app timeout on the watch.
Voice in a Can available on iTunes for $1.99.
One reviewer on Voice in a Can’s App Store Preview page said, “It’s great to have Alexa available to do things Siri can’t. If we could get the Google Assistant, then we would have the Holy Trinity.”
Which voice assistant is better is a hotly debated topic in chat rooms and in the tech press. More objective observations point out that each voice assistant has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Siri, until recently, was strictly for mobile while Alexa mostly for in-home assistance on the Amazon Echo devices. Last year, Amazon added Alex to its iOS shopping app.
To activate Voice in a Can on your Apple Watch, make sure to hit the Install button Under My Watch next to the app name in Available Apps. Once it is installed, you will need to authenticate it and follow the on-screen directions.
To bring Voice in a Can to iPhone or iPad, you are required to use your Amazon login to authenticate. Once in, follow the instructions on screen, hit ready and ask Alexa your questions.
Source: iDownload Blog
