Since launching in 2014, Alexa has grown far beyond its original role as a simple voice assistant for music and reminders. With the rollout of Alexa Plus and new AI-powered tools, it's now a capable ...

You can use Alexa as a speaker. Amazon Echo devices support Bluetooth. You can connect your smartphone, tablet, PC, or other devices to Amazon Echo via Bluetooth, and play audio via the Echo device.

A virtual hug is exactly what it sounds like—Alexa sends a virtual hug on your behalf to another Echo device. When you say “Alexa, send a hug,” she will ask whom you want to send it to.

You can easily create custom Alexa skills using Amazon’s Skill Blueprints, no coding needed.