Amazon’s new Echo smart speaker will enable UK users to search for flights through Skyscanner after today’s launch.
Previously only available in the US, it’s now possible for UK Amazon Alexa users to search for flights using ‘voice conversation’. The Skyscanner ‘skill’ will be available through any device using Alexa, including Amazon Echo and the all-new Fire TV.
The Echo was developed as a speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that can also fulfil some functions of a smartphone, enabling users to search for news, weather and other such information by voice command using the Alexa Voice Service.
The Skyscanner skill enables Alexa to suggest flights based on a conversation with the device about upcoming travel plans. Users wishing to find a flight can direct Alexa to search for Skyscanner flights using natural language commands. Alexa then provides the best option found based on the information the user provides.
“At Skyscanner we believe it’s important that we continue to innovate and expand our technology offering as the needs of our travellers evolve” said Skyscanner’s head of bots and conversational search, David Low.
Skyscanner was also among the first to launch a Bot for Facebook’s Messenger and Skype platforms.
Amazon has released Echo at £149.99, but Amazon Prime members who order before Friday will receive a £50 discount.
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