Amazon introduces 'Alexa Announcements' feature for Echo speakers

As the Alexa Announcements joins the ranks of other Alexa communication features, Amazon is ensuring that a family would need an Echo in every room in the house.

As of right now, only USA and Canadian customers will have access to the Echo intercom.

While this feature alone may not be enough to convince someone to buy a few extra Echo devices, it's certainly a clever use of the hardware and gives families one more reason to fill their home with smart speakers. For a limited time, customers can purchase the Amazon Key Home Kit at a special price, with savings between $109.99-139.99 per Kit.

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Besides the selection of obtainable smart locks suited with Amazon Key has been enlarged and now involves locks from major manufacturers Kwikset and Yale.

A recent report from NPR and Edison Research claims 16 percent of US adults have a smart speaker in their house.

Amazon has added a new feature for its Echo speakers, which enables users of the Alexa-powered devices to make one-way announcements around a home or office.

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You can also say "Alexa announce" or "Alexa broadcast" followed by what you want to say for a bit of command variety.

Alexa Announcements are available across Amazon's entire lineup of Echo smart speakers.

By going to the Amazon Parent Dashboard from a phone, tablet, or desktop, parents will be able to set and control screen-on limits, curfews, block certain apps/games, and more.

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Customers can simply say to their Echo device, "Alexa, announce that dinner is ready", and "Dinner is ready" will then be announced in your voice to all other compatible Echo devices in your household.