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Starting on November 18th, AT&T customers can send a text message hands-free via Alexa

By Alan Friedman

Updated: Nov 17, 2016, 1:50 PM

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Starting on November 18th, AT&T customers can send a text message hands-free via Alexa

Starting tomorrow, November 18th, AT&T customers will be able to send a text message on any Alexa-enabled devices using the Send Message Skill. Supported products include the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot. Since Alexa is a cloud based voice service, AT&T subscribers can send a text message completely hands-free.

Alexa can provide sports scores, weather, news, play music and provide other information. Each skill is a different voice-activated feature that Alexa users can use, and AT&T is the first carrier to allow text messages to be sent via Alexa using a subscriber's mobile number. Text recipients are made up of contacts managed using the Send Message skill. Users will be able to have a list of ten SMS recipients maintained through the Send Message Skill.

To send a text hands free using the Amazon Echo or Echo Dot (assuming that you are an AT&T subscriber), ask Alext to have AT&T text your friend. You will be prompted to dictate the message, and then off it goes.

"Amazon Echo is ahead of the curve in terms of voice recognition technology and functionality. AT&T is the first carrier to bring this unique skill to a product already known for innovation. We’re always working to bring simple solutions for our customers to stay in touch. In the tradition of NumberSync, another solution that was introduced at AT&T first, the Send Message Skill gives our customers another easy and convenient way to communicate."-Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Device and Network Services Marketing, AT&T

AT&T is also going to be selling the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot at its physical and online stores starting tomorrow, November 18th. The Echo will be priced at $179 and the Echo Dot will cost you $49.

AT&T subscribers will be able to send texts hands-free using Alexa

source: AT&T

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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.

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