Amazon Alexa App Revamp: What’s New?

Amazon has revamped its Alexa app to offer more personalization features, help new users make the most of the app and encourage users to maximize the use of the app's native functions.

The Alexa app has been updated following the release of several developer tools, TechCrunch reported. It has been redesigned so that it will be easier to use for both new and old users. It has a new interface, and some elements and controls have been relocated to make way for frequently used features.

Here's a quick overview of the changes Amazon introduced to the updated Alexa app.

Redesigned Home Screen

The Alexa app's home screen has been redesigned to make it easier for users to access their frequently used functions. The Alexa button has been relocated to the top of the display, making it easy to spot once the app is launched. The digital assistant can be accessed via a tap on this button or by saying “Alexa.”

Underneath the Alexa button rests a list of personalized suggestions based on the user's app usage. The list will include playlists or recently played music on Spotify or Amazon Music, reminders, shopping lists and so on, depending on how the user utilizes the app.

Amazon told Engadget that the home screen will also display controls for currently active features. This will allow users to adjust the volume level on their Echo Buds, for example.

The company also said the app will give first-time users suggestions on how to get started with Alexa and will also provide some help in using other services such as Amazon Music and the Amazon shopping list.

Redesigned More Menu

The More button has been redesigned and relocated as well. Instead of seeing a hamburger menu icon at the top-left portion of the screen, users will see a “More” button at the lower-right portion of the display, nestled in the main navigation bar.

Tapping on the More button will now give users access to some advanced features like Reminders & Alarms, Routines, Skills & Games and Settings. These features have been transferred here from the main home screen.

The updated Alexa app is rolling out over the next month across iOS, Android and Fire OS devices. All Alexa users will be able to use the new app by the end of August.