Update at Alexa allows the use as default wizard on Android smartphones

By providing an update to the Alexa app, Amazon is enabling Alexa to be used as a default assistant on Android smartphones. It also makes it easier to access Alexa devices through the app.

As long as Alexa is enabled as a digital assistant, the Google Assistant is not disabled and can still be used. You can access the Google Assistant from the search widget by tapping the microphone icon.

On the other hand, it is currently not possible to activate Alexa on call. This means that the device will not react when the user answers with Alexa. But if you want that, you should use Reverb: Alexa already offers this app for smartphones on demand, but it cannot be activated as a standard assistant.

Once Alexa is activated, a blue stripe appears at the bottom of the screen. The new firmware makes it easier to access Alexa devices directly from the home screen. There is a new entry in the side menu. With one click, you can see all the devices that are registered with Alexa. Previously, this was only possible through the settings in the app.