Developers at U.S. digital consultancy Rain have created a little-known app called Reverb that allows users to access Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant from their Mac desktop or iOS device.

Launching the free Mac app prompts users to sign in to their Amazon account, after which a window opens showing the familiar blue Alexa ring on the desktop. Click and hold on the ring with the mouse cursor, and provided an internet connection is active, the virtual assistant listens and responds to the sort of spoken questions and commands usually directed at Amazon's Echo range of smart speakers.

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The iOS app works similarly, and the latest version of Reverb uses Alexa v2, which adds support for news flashes, timers, alarms, long form audio, audiobooks, and more. It can also interact with smart devices that are compatible with Alexa, such as lights, switches, and thermostats compatible with Samsung SmartThings, WeMo, Philips Hue, and others. The only Alexa service Reverb does not support is playing music, due to restrictions Amazon has placed on using Amazon Music in apps.

In addition to the above, users can enable third-party skills through the app with a simple voice command – "Enable Bird Songs", for example. In testing, the Mac app also responded to new skills enabled through Amazon's Alexa iOS app, which officially supports and integrates with the Reverb app for iOS.

The apps provide a convenient solution for Echo owners wishing to make Alexa available in, say, their office room or study, without having to buy an additional supporting device. It also offers prospective Echo buyers an opportunity to test the service prior to making a purchase, and at the very least gives curious Mac users a chance to compare Alexa's and Siri's smarts side by side on their desktop.

Reverb for Amazon Alexa is a free download available for Mac from the Mac App Store [Direct Link] and for iPhone and iPad on the iOS App Store [Direct Link].

Tags: Amazon, Alexa

Top Rated Comments

itsmilo Avatar
101 months ago
Only downloaded it cuz i fully expect Apple to remove it lol
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Brandenr Avatar
101 months ago
BTW everyone is this app safe to link to your Amazon account ?
Yes, we use a web view and you provide your credentials directly to Amazon. We are never given your password.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Brandenr Avatar
101 months ago
What is the chance of getting this app on the Apple Watch? Is it even possible on that platform?
We have the Apple Watch app in progress. We're working on ways to make it work within the limitations of the Apple Watch and the Alexa Voice Service
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Telos101 Avatar
101 months ago
This is cool! Quick download before the iron-clad fist of Apple strikes! :D
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HeatherA Avatar
101 months ago
BTW everyone is this app safe to link to your Amazon account ?
Good question. It appears to use Amazon's log-in which I assume works like FB's login options across the web. Meaning it should bypass the developer and connect directly with Amazon keeping us as safe as Amazon's security measures allow.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
timmyh Avatar
101 months ago
Good question. It appears to use Amazon's log-in which I assume works like FB's login options across the web. Meaning it should bypass the developer and connect directly with Amazon keeping us as safe as Amazon's security measures allow.
That sounds about right. Also Rain is a partner agency with Amazon on their Skills Hub.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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