How to Place a Group Video Call on an Amazon Echo Show
Amazon’s Alexa-enabled video screens, an Echo Show, can make video phone calls directly to other Echo Show devices. Call a single friend or talk to your family or tribe with group video calling.
Knowing how to set up video calling on an Amazon Echo Show before making a call is essential. Once you’ve followed the steps, group video calls are easy. We’ll show you how.
What Is an Amazon Echo Show?
The Echo Show, an impressive device as part of Amazon’s Echo lineup, can enhance any smart home. you’re able to do everything from control your smart home toplay YouTube videos with your Echo Show. The Echo Show comes in various sizes, but all the different versions have a camera and microphone for video calling. If you’re in the market, take a look at our primer to help you decidewhich Amazon Echo Show to buy.
To get started with group video calling, ensure your Echo Show has been set up, and you’ve downloaded and signed in to the Alexa app foriOSorAndroid. Before you can call anyone, you’ll need to set up your contacts. This will be done on the Alexa smartphone app and on the Echo Show.
Set Up Calling, Messaging, and Enhanced Features
Before making or accepting video or voice calls, you must enable communications.
Here’s how to turn on calling, messaging, and more in the Alexa app.
Turn on Enhanced Features in the Alexa App
It’s important to note that others in your video calling group must also enable Communications and Enhanced Features in their Alexa app as well.
How to Add Contacts and Create a Calling Group on the Echo Show
If you have already added your contacts to the Alexa app, and the people you want in the group are in your contacts, check that you have Drop-Inenabled for those you want in your group. You can skip ahead to the section on how to create a calling group.
To Import All Contacts From Your Phone or Device
In the Alexa app, go toMore >Settings > Communication > Manage Contacts > Import Contacts.
Slide the switch to enableImport Contacts.This will automatically import and upload all your contacts on your smartphone to the Amazon service.
To Import Single Contacts
If the person or people you want to call isn’t in your Amazon contact list—or you don’t want to upload your entire list—add them individually. This can be done in the Alexa app or on the Amazon Echo Show.
In the Alexa app:
The contact will now be available for video calling, voice calling, or messaging.
On the Echo Show:
If you add the contact on the Echo Show, you will still need to check that Drop-in is enabled for their contact card in your smartphone Alexa app.
Next, choose the people you want in your group, and create a group.
How to Create a Group for Echo Show Video Calling
To create a group, open the Alexa app.
Follow steps 1, 2, and 3 above to get to your contacts screen and bring up theAdd New.This time chooseAdd Group.
Next, tap to put a checkmark in the box next to the names of the people you want to be on the group call. TapContinue.
Give the group a name and tapCreate Group.
How to Make a Group Video Call on an Echo Show
The easiest way to initiate a group video call on an Echo Show is to ask, “Alexa, call [group name].”
During the call, icons appear on Echo Show’s screen. It’s important to note that what it says on the screen is not your status. That is, if it says “Video On,” you need to tap the icon to turn the video on. It doesn’t mean your video is already turned on.
Likewise, if there is a microphone icon, you are muted on the call and need to tap the microphone to unmute.
Enhanced Features Only Available on Individual Calls
Similar to other chatting apps, other Enhanced Features for video calling include some fun stickers and effects can be added to a call. These include effects like a fish tank, google eyes, flowers and butterflies, and more.
Take note that these enhanced features, as well as real-time, live call captioning, are only available for one-on-one calls. These cannot be used with group calls at this time.
Tips for Better Video Calls on an Echo Show
Now that you know how to make video calls, be sure it’s a great experience. Don’t stand in front of a window or lamp, or you will be backlit and in the shadows. Instead, strive to have light fall across your face, but avoid direct bright sunlight that can overexpose you.
Also, ensure all participants have reliable internet that is not too slow so that the video doesn’t lag.
Fast Calling to Your Tribe Using an Echo Show
Setting up a group might require a few steps, but once you do, calling your whole family is as easy as saying, “Alexa, call my family group.” Everyone will appear on-screen for each other, making it easy to catch up on news, see far-away family, or coordinate plans for your next family event.
Then, when you’re done with the call, simply say, “Alexa, hang up.” Enjoy the simplicity of talking with friends and family on your Echo Show.
We’ll show you how to use Zoom on your Amazon Echo Show for seamless video calls.
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