Is Amazon Echo accessible for people with sight loss?

Amazon Echo is a range of products classed as Voice Assistants. They are primarily controlled by the human voice. You simply give the Echo a wake word such as "Alexa" then give it a command, e.g., "Alexa, set timer for 10 minutes".

You can get the Echo to perform a huge array of functions, provided by Amazon themselves or by approved third parties. The Echo can play music, radio stations and games, read the latest news, weather and sports results, and search the internet for answers to your questions. The Echo can act as a calculator, currency converter, alarm, clock and timer. You can use it to listen to Kindle or books from audible.co.uk.

It can also help you to communicate when you use the Echo to speak to other Echo devices in your home or other people in your phone contacts who also have Echo devices. Echo can help you shop and buy online from amazon.co.uk and from other selected retailers including supermarkets and even takeaways.

The Echo is a smart device, meaning it can be used to control other connected accessories, like heating controls and lights. You need an add on to make this work, like a special home heating control or light bulb.

Echo functions or applications are called “skills”. New skills to enhance its capabilities are constantly being developed and can be added by speaking to the Echo device or using the Alexa app.

Further information, including a full length film about how to use an Amazon Echo, can be found on RNIB's Amazon Echo webpage.

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