Local news has always been the key source of information for staying up to current on local activities, especially weather forecasts. Amazon has now made it easier to access local weather information via the Alexa weather widget on Amazon Echo Show devices.
As reported by The Verge, Amazon has collaborated with local news channels to display the latest local weather news videos on Echo Show devices when you ask, “Alexa, what’s the weather?” Alternatively, if you prefer not to use voice commands, you can still access the feature by tapping on the Alexa weather widget.
It’s worth noting that the weather videos won’t play automatically. When activated, the weather widget will open with the familiar user interface, presenting the forecast and current weather conditions. Along the bottom of the screen, you will find thumbnails of local weather forecasts from various news stations that you can select and watch. Upon tapping a thumbnail, the video will play in full-screen mode.
The local weather videos feature is currently available on Echo Show 8, Echo Show 10, Echo Show 15, and Fire TV Omni QLED Series devices. It is also expected to roll out to the Echo Show 5.
To experience this feature firsthand, it seems you must be located in one of the 15 cities where it is currently available. These cities include New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Charlotte, Phoenix, Chicago, Milwaukee, Fresno, Omaha, Toledo, and San Antonio.
Nevertheless, individuals outside of these areas will still be able to access weather reports from those specific cities by asking Alexa. For instance, inquiring, “Alexa, what’s the weather in New York City?” will bring up local videos from New York.
An Amazon spokesperson has indicated that the Amazon Echo Show feature is expected to expand to more cities. The spokesperson mentioned that they are considering offering this feature wherever there are local news stations available.
