Amazon brings Alexa calling and messaging to Fire, Android and iOS tablets

Amazon has just released a new update, which allows you to send messages and make phone/video calls through its Fire tablets, while Android and iOS tablet-owners can access the same features through a new version of the Alexa app.

Provided the person you're contacting has a compatible device (and they've given Amazon access to their contacts), you can now make phone/video calls and send texts.

However, this still falls short of Google's Home products, which can now make free, hands-free calls to UK numbers over wi-fi.

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Adam was a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?, reviewing consumer gadgets for online and print publication, as well as researching and producing features and advice pieces on new technology in the hi-fi industry. He has since worked for PC Mag as a contributing editor and is now a science and technology reporter for The Independent.