Amazon brings Alexa, compatible with English and Arabic, to the UAE

Amazon brings Alexa, compatible with English and Arabic, to the UAE

Amazon has confirmed that Alexa, the cloud-based voice service that powers the company’s Echo devices, is coming to the UAE. It will offer customers localised language experience in Khaleeji Arabic as well as in English. Echo devices are voice-controlled speakers while Alexa runs in the cloud. Alexa can, for example, answer questions, play music, read the news, recite the Quran, set timers and alarms, provide sports scores, among other things. Echo devices can also be used to control lights at home, to switch on a lamp or dim the lights. Its home security feature, Ring, integrates cameras, video doorbells, and alarm systems to help secure homes. Alexa also works with other compatible smart home devices such as smart lights and plugs from brands including Philips Hue, Xiaomi, TP-Link, among others. In the UAE, Alexa’s services include interacting verbally in local pronunciations and intonations. “We’re incredibly excited to bring Alexa and the Echo family of devices to the UAE,” said Tom Taylor, senior vice president, Amazon Alexa. “The team has worked hard to create an all-new Khaleeji Arabic experience designed from the ground up for Arabic-speaking customers and to optimise the Alexa experience in English for English-speakers to enjoy.” At launch,