Verizon will now let customers make hands-free calls via Alexa with its new Number Share Home subscription plan. In the past, Verizon offered Number Share for use on tablets and smartwatches when a smartphone was not within reach. For example, Number Share can be super helpful when going out on a run with just a smartwatch, or when someone has accidentally left their phone at home but has their tablet with them.
Of course, Amazon's Alexa is super helpful for a number of things, including playing music, setting timers, and answering fun facts. While Alexa is available on Amazon's own devices, such as the Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show smart display, the virtual assistant can also be found in a number of third-party devices as well.
Alexa has now gained the ability to make and answer calls from a Verizon phone number. According to the press release, Verizon says customers will need to spend an extra $5 per month for access to the new Number Share Home plan. Users will then be able to say, "Alexa, call Drew," or "Alexa, dial (phone number)." In addition, Alexa will announce who's calling and who the call is for. For example "Drew would like to talk to Amy." Number Share Home works regardless of whether the phone's turned off, out of battery, or not on the same Wi-Fi network. Verizon also says users can set up an Alexa Routine if they don't want Alexa to ring when they are not at home. The carrier further notes that live calls can be moved between an Alexa device to a "Verizon-distributed Android mobile phone," though it's not clear how that's achieved.
It Works Even If Your Phone Is Out Of Juice
Verizon is running a special promo for those looking to purchase an Amazon Echo device. Essentially, anyone who purchases an Amazon Echo device through the carrier will receive three months of Number Share Home for free. That saves $15 over the course of three months and allows the user to test out the feature before paying the monthly fee, making it a good way to check if it is actually useful before committing. Worst case scenario, they will have an Amazon Echo device that they might have already been planning on buying.
For those deep in Apple's ecosystem, this might all sound familiar, as Apple's Handoff feature offers similar functionality and without a subscription. Users with an iPhone and a HomePod or HomePod mini are able to dial and receive calls from the smart speaker while at home. Unlike Verizon's implementation, Apple's Handoff does require that the iPhone be on the same Wi-Fi network as the HomePod or HomePod mini. Due to this, and if making calls while a phone isn't on the same network (or potentially out of battery) sounds tempting, Verizon's subscription fee may be worth it.
Source: Verizon