Amazon announced today a few updates including two-way video calling on the Fire TV Cube, less intrusive Alexa responses, and improved Ring Doorbell notifications.
Two Way Video Calling on Fire TV Cube
Amazon is enabling two-way video calling support on the Fire TV Cube (2nd generation). Use a webcam (that supports UVC with at least 720p resolution and 30fps) with your Fire TV Cube to make and receive calls through your TV to any other Alexa-enabled device with a screen, such as another Fire TV Cube, Echo Show, or the Alexa app on a phone or tablet.
To turn on messaging and calling:
- Go to the Devices tab on your Alexa app
- Find your Fire TV Cube
- Toggle Communications to Enabled. You can also enable Drop In for your Fire TV Cube in the Communications setting
To link your contacts in the Alexa app:
- Go to the Communication tab
- Click on the person icon in the top right corner
- Click on the three dot menu in the top right
- Click on import contacts
Here are the webcams Amazon suggests using with your Fire TV Cube:
This update will begin rolling out to customers over the coming weeks, with a software update.
Along with the Fire TV Cube update, Amazon announced two upcoming feature updates, for Alexa and Ring Doorbells:
Using Alexa While Watching TV
Now, when you ask Alexa on Fire TV for info while watching TV, your answer won’t interrupt your viewing experience. Responses will be answered by Alexa on a partial screen overlay on top of full-screen video playback or the Fire TV browse screen background. This feature will be available on all Fire TV devices, excluding 1st Gen Fire TV Stick and 1st Gen Fire TV.
Ring Doorbell Update
Just in time for holiday deliveries, Ring is offering an update so that Fire TV owners will be able to receive notifications on their Fire TV screen when the doorbell rings and watch the security camera video in full-screen by saying “Alexa, show me [Ring device name],” or “Alexa, talk to [Ring device name].”