Amazon's Alexa may soon be able to make phone calls, intercom with other devices

Alexa, call my kitchen.

Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Google and Amazon may bring phone-calling features to the Home and Echo, respectively. Amazon may just make these rumors come true. Recode today published a report that Amazon may unveil new Alexa-powered devices capable of making phone calls and talking with other Alexa devices, effectively creating a household intercom system. And all this without having to dial a number or push a button.

This move could be a boon for the Echo and Echo Dot, which both saw wild success over the holiday season. While consumers are initially excited to use the voice-controlled devices, enthusiasm dies off quickly. A recent report by VoiceLabs showed that most voice apps available for the Echo and Echo Dot have a short life and are not used much after their initial download. Phone calling and intercom features could become a key selling point for the Alexa ecosystem, especially if execution quickly and firmly integrates the features into users’ everyday lives.

Amazon declined to comment on the move, so we’ll have to wait and see if new Alexa devices will have the calling features. According to sources from Recode, the new devices could be released in a few months. We may not have long to wait before we can order Chinese food with our voice alone.

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