Ask Alexa: Edmunds launches new Skill for Amazon Alexa
(May 11, 2017) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds today announced a new Amazon Alexa Skill for voice-enabled access to Edmunds' automotive content. The new skill extends the wealth of Edmunds data beyond a computer or mobile device, creating a comprehensive source for automotive information in the Alexa Skills store and making it easier and more intuitive than ever to research and shop for a car or keep tabs on a current vehicle.
"The freedom to simply ask questions to find relevant information about a vehicle is an invaluable asset, both in the short term when shopping for cars and on an ongoing basis once purchased," said Phil Potloff, Edmunds chief digital officer.
"We love how tapping into the power and convenience of natural language with Alexa brings Edmunds content to life for our users and underscores our commitment to innovation that brings increased value for shoppers and owners."
Using Alexa, Amazon's cloud-based voice service, Edmunds' new Alexa Skill provides both high-level overviews and in-depth reviews of specific vehicles, including safety, driving and powertrain information. Alexa also answers questions about a wide variety of vehicle specifications, including miles per gallon, cargo space, horsepower, basic warranty information, etc. Curious if a new SUV will fit in the garage or have enough room for the whole family? Just ask Alexa for the exact dimensions or seating capacity.
Going beyond the research phase, the Edmunds Alexa Skill provides the MSRP for any vehicle and gives information on local inventory and current lease deals for shoppers ready to buy. Alexa also makes it easy for car owners to keep track of their current vehicle, including recall information and maintenance schedules.
Car owners can ask Alexa what their car is worth and immediately learn the real-time Edmunds True Market Value for their car, or ask when their next oil change is due.
Edmunds' Alexa Skill will work with any Alexa-enabled device including Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Tap, Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets for multiple touchpoints throughout the home. The English-only skill is free and available now. To enable, go to the "skills" section of the Alexa app, search for Edmunds and click "enable," or simply say, "Alexa, enable Edmunds" to any Alexa-enabled device.