Amazon is today launching a new group video or audio calling feature for Echo devices, just in time for the holidays. Originally announced in September, up to seven group call participants can join an audio or video call on supported Echo devices such as the Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show. Amazon today launches its group calling feature in Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, US and UK.
Echo owners can create and name groups with the Alexa app, and Amazon also plans to support group conversations via the Alexa app soon. You can add adult contacts to groups, and friends and family must register to participate in group conversations. This new feature also supports Alexa commands such as “Alexa, call my family” to connect to a group you have created.
Echo group calls can be a good alternative to Zoom and other video calls. There are no limits on talk times, allowing Echo owners to make or receive voice and video calls for free. Without the Alexa app that supports group calling, it’s limited to requiring hardware for now. Zoom has started lifting the 40-minute meeting limit for several upcoming holidays, and rivals like Microsoft Teams have also enabled all-day video calls over the Internet without restrictions. Google is also offering unlimited Meet calls until March 2021.
In addition to the group calling feature, Amazon is also introducing some US-specific Alexa features. Echo Show 8 devices in the US now support joining video calls on Zoom and Amazon Chime with Alexa, and you can simply say “Alexa, join my Zoom meeting” to start conversations. Call subtitles are also available on Echo Show devices today, with near real-time subtitles for US English video, audio, and incoming calls.
Update, December 18, 11AM ET: Article updated with more US Alexa features available today.