According to a post on an Amazon developer’s site, adding items to a list on third-party apps, like Anylist, and using Alexa voice control won’t be available as it is shutting down starting on July 1st. So, without these updates, Alexa users have to use the built-in feature of Alexa to add things to their shopping or grocery list and for other things, such as setting reminders.
Currently, third-party apps can sync with Alexa lists and display this data within their own apps. In order to continue connecting with Alexa, developers must now create customer voice skills. Although developers can still include the voice control for Alexa in their apps, they will no longer be able to access the pre-built lists, according to Sarah Zonouzi of Amazon.
AnyList intends to develop a custom skill, but doing so will modify Alexa users’ behavior. Conversely, Todoist has decided not to create a new custom skill. At the same time, Amazon discontinued its Alexa Shopping List Deals feature on July 10th, 2024. Amazon’s plan to redesign Alexa’s shopping list experience includes removing these functions.
The given modifications are sure to annoy many Alexa users. Along with playing music and setting timers, adding items to a shopping/grocery list is one of the most common uses for voice assistants. Though it has improved, Alexa’s list feature is still not as user-friendly as specialized list apps like AnyList and Todoist, which are more versatile and cross-platform compatible.
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