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Amazon is renowned for adding extra features to its Echo smart speakers so owners might be shocked to hear that they are about to lose one hugely useful function on this popular device. The online retailer first added support for its Echo devices to check and read out personal emails back in 2018 with many enjoying the ability to hear what was in their inbox without reaching for their laptop.
This useful feature has been fully compatible with most popular email providers including Gmail and Outlook with those who sign up able to ask Alexa, “check my email” with the chatty assistant then reading out anything that’s recently appeared in the owner’s inbox.
Sadly, from tomorrow, this email option is being sent to the history books with Amazon ending support for it.
It’s unclear why this decision has been made but in a statement sent to Express.co.uk, Amazon confirmed: “Starting on November 8, 2021, customers will no longer be able to access their email through Alexa.
“This change will also apply to email notifications, email routines, and package tracking for retailers outside of Amazon. Customers will continue to have access to their calendars, and can use features such as “Alexa, where’s my stuff?” to stay on top of upcoming Amazon deliveries.”
READ MORE: Forget Black Friday! Amazon reveals huge reason to buy a Fire TV Stick and Echo TODAY
Although that email feature has now gone there’s plenty of other things that you can still do with your Echo.
Amazon has just released a swathe of commands that can be barked at Alexa including “Alexa, give me a pasta recipe” and “Alexa, what new features do you have?”
Here’s a full list of things to try if you have an Echo.
“Alexa, how much is that doggy in the window?”
“Alexa, wake me up to Jazz FM”
Alexa can wake you up to some of your favourite radio stations.
“Alexa, how much does Godzilla weigh?”
“Alexa, add milk to my shopping list”
From list to till, Alexa can help you prepare your weekly shop. Learn more.
“Alexa, play the last song I was listening to”
“Alexa, pair my phone”
“Alexa, volume 5”
“Alexa, tell me a joke about baking”
“Alexa, open the bedroom blinds by 50%”
Use your voice to control select smart window blinds from IKEA, Lutron and Somfy.
“Alexa, set up my photo display”
Turn your Echo Show home screen into a digital frame with Amazon Photos. Unlimited full-resolution photo storage is included with Prime. Learn more.
“Alexa, remind me again in 30 minutes”
Defer reminders to a later time when announced on your device.
