We can all probably agree that Siri isn’t the best smart assistant. Wouldn’t you rather use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa? If you’re an iPhone user, you’ve had the ability to launch Alexa on your device for a while, but it’s not quite as easy as summoning Siri—but it has just gotten a lot easier.
Amazon recently launched a home screen widget called “Ask Alexa” that makes activating Alexa a one-tap endeavor. While it doesn’t allow you to use only a verbal command the way you can with the “Hey Siri” function, it’s at least a little bit faster than navigating to the full Alexa app.
To use the Ask Alexa shortcut, you’ll need the Amazon Alexa app on your iPhone (and you’ll need to upgrade to iOS 14 or higher). You’ll also need to give the app permission to activate the microphone. To add the widget, long-press on the home screen you want to anchor it to and tap the “+” in the upper-left corner. Scroll down or type “Alexa” into the search bar to locate the Ask Alexa widget.
Once you have the widget installed, all you have to do is tap it to wake Alexa. Note that this is simply a shortcut to the main app, not a hands-free smart speaker experience.
If you need to move the widget around or to a different home screen, press and hold the same way you do with any other app.
Google Assistant is also available on the iPhone via the Google Assistant app. There isn’t a home page widget yet, but you can set up a shortcut to activate Google via Siri (so you can say “Hey Siri, Hey Google”) using only your voice, without navigating to the app. You’ll still need the Google Assistant app, but you can go to the Shortcuts app on your device and set up an action to launch “Hey Google” when needed.
The Go SMS Pro texting app has over 100 million installations from the Google Play Store, but popularity doesn’t matter: You need to stop using it and
2021 is around the corner, and a vaccine is on the way—but for now, we’re stuck inside. It’s time to seek out the shows that can help you set your int
“Zoom” may have overtaken “Skype” as the preferred shorthand for making video calls, but Microsoft’s chat service hasn’t gone anywhere. The newest Sky
Apple is changing up how Siri works in iOS 14.5. She’s still the same ol’ virtual assistant you can use to do all kinds of fun activities on your iPho
Have you ever noticed how strict websites are about PDF sizes? Whether it’s uploading a resume, submitting a school project, or sending an important f
One of the convenient new features that’s coming in iOS 15 (already available in public beta) is the ability to have Siri read out notifications from
The iPad is one of—if not the—best tablets on the market, but it’s also expensive. While the base model iPad is more budget-friendly, it’s a steep cli
The Shortcuts app allows you to run automation routines across multiple Apple devices—and with macOS Monterey, it’s available on your Mac, too. It’s p
We are a comprehensive and trusted information platform dedicated to delivering high-quality content across a wide range of topics, including society, technology, business, health, culture, and entertainment.
From breaking news to in-depth reports, we adhere to the principles of accuracy and diverse perspectives, helping readers find clarity and reliability in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Our goal is to be a dependable source of knowledge for every reader—making information not only accessible but truly trustworthy. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our content and services, connecting the world and delivering value.
