Astra - for Alexa Voice Services Reviews

Works as is

918 Randy

I already have it on my homescreen. Watching tv with others, it's more polite to whisper to your smartphone, than to yell at Alexa. The real Alexa voice responds through your iOS device. This is remarkable for Echo users and seems to good to be true. I turned on and off appliances awY from home by talking to Alexa here, it's a big deal. Also, you don't even have to prefix with "Alexa"--it's based on listening to you when you press s large screen button.

Shows up as another Alexa device

nnichols

Work great and ties into Alexa voice services perfectly.

Not as functional as on would hope for

BigFree1

I wanted to use this app to control Amazon Prime Music on my iPhone while my iPhone was connected by bluetooth to my cars audio system. Sort of like you would with an amazon Echo or Tap. I surely don't want to set-up a hot-spot for my tap and carry that in my car. This Asta app seemed like it could be my answer, but is seems that funtionality isn't there. :(

No audio

BillZen

This app is not working for me. Although it shows a song "playing" there is no audio. In general, it has very limited functionality. Interface is non-intuitive. The FAQs are very limited and not helpful.

Buggy

CloakOfMuadDib

Trying to play a news brief just says playing audio but nothing plays. Very little you can do with this app.

Great way to try Alexa before buying an Echo

ddkilzer

This app is a great way to try Alexa before buying an Amazon Echo. Or if you just want to try a voice assistant "bake-off", it lets you compare Amazon's Alexa to Apple's Siri, Google Assistant and Microsoft's Cortana. My favorite "skill" is the Jeopardy J6 skill which gives you six new clues in six categories each day. For those complaining about access to music, note that it's not available through Astra, and this is noted in the FAQ.

Great for Controlling my Smart Home

Pete Mayhem

I use two Echo Dot devices to control my Hue lights by voice, using Alexa. I utilize Astra when outside of vocal range or even when away from home. The interface is pleasant and the app is responsive. It does not require the wake 'Alexa' (think Echo Tap) since you are holding to record. I'm guessing because this is a paid app, that the developer wants this to be more than a proof of concept. I hope the future of Astra involves a iPad and WatchOS app. People often leave an iPad central in the home, this is why Apple allows an iPad to be the center of their own Home app.