Microsoft today confirmed that Skype calling is coming to Amazon Echo devices but the feature doesn’t appear to be available just yet. You will need to install the Skype integration to access Microsoft’s calling functionality on your Amazon device.
The integration will become available for everyone later this week and you can install it from Amazon store to call mobile and landlines using SkypeOut. You would need to use commands such as “Alexa, call [contact name] on Skype” to initiate a call. If you’re using advanced hardware like the Echo Show, you can also activate video calling.
You can ask Alexa to call any of your Skype contacts and at the moment, comments like “Alexa, call Dad on Skype”, “Alexa, pick up”, and “Alexa, call 206-555-0155 on Skype” are available.
According to the Microsoft Store page, you will get 100 minutes of free calls per month for two months if you link Skype with Alexa but the offer is valid for customers in 34 countries listed here.
To link Skype with Amazon Alexa, do the following.
- In Amazon Alexa App for Android or iOS, open Settings > Communication > Skype to link your accounts.
- Sign in with same Microsoft account you use on Skype.
- You can now use the voice commands to initiate a voice or video call via Skype.
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