[Solved] Amazon Echo Change Search Engine + 3 Mistakes & Alerts!!

Alexa’s Search Engine

Alexa relies on Bing as her primary search engine for gathering information and answering user queries. Unlike Google Home, which uses Google’s search engine, Amazon has opted to integrate Bing into their Alexa-supported devices. Microsoft’s Cortana also utilizes Bing for search queries. It’s worth noting that Siri primarily uses Google for searches, but occasionally incorporates Bing for specific queries.

Note: Some people misspell it as “Alexia search engine: 🙂

Changing Alexa Search Engine to Google: Unofficial Method

Creating an Amazon Developer Account

To begin, you will need an Amazon Developer account. If you don’t already have one, create an account by following the registration process on the Amazon Developer website.

Downloading the Source Code for Ask Google Skill

Next, download the source code for the Ask Google skill. This skill allows you to access the official Google Assistant API and unlock additional features on your Alexa device.

Installing the Ask Google Skill

Once you have downloaded the source code, proceed to the installation process. Visit the Alexa Mods website for a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to create and install the Ask Google skill.

Enhanced Alexa Functionality with Ask Google

Upon completing the installation, you will now be able to use Alexa to answer questions similar to Google. It’s important to note that this modification will not transform Alexa into the Google Assistant. However, it will enable you to leverage Google’s search engine capabilities through Alexa.

By following these steps, you can unofficially integrate Google’s search capabilities with your Alexa device, allowing for a more comprehensive search experience.

Alexa’s Use of Bing as the Primary Search Engine

Interestingly, Bing has gained significant traction and currently accounts for approximately one-third of all searches. This can be attributed to Microsoft and Amazon’s preference for Bing as the default search engine across their devices, alongside the user base of Bing on mobile and desktop platforms.

Changing the Search Engine on Alexa

Although Alexa doesn’t natively support Google search, you can use a third-party Alexa skill to add Google search functionality. The skill allows you to search with Google on an individual basis while Alexa still primarily uses Bing. However, setting up this skill is a complex process that involves creating developer accounts for both Amazon and Google.

How to Make Alexa Use Google

The unofficial skill, developed by Tartanguru, enables you to use Google Assistant’s API for more advanced capabilities beyond reading text boxes. It’s a free skill, but you’ll need to provide your credit card information to download it through your Amazon developer account. The installation process is detailed and requires time and patience.

If using Google search with Alexa is crucial to you, you might consider purchasing a Google Home device in addition to your Echo device, as it natively supports Google search without any workarounds.

Related: Change Alexa voice to Jarvis

Using Alexa with Google Maps in Your Car

Yes, you can use Alexa in conjunction with Google Maps for navigation in your car. If you have an Android device, Google Maps is the default navigation app, and it will continue to be so even with the Amazon app installed. However, if you have an iOS device, you will need to change the default navigation app in your Alexa app settings.

Here’s how you can change the default navigation app on iOS:

1. Open the Alexa app on your iOS device.

Go to “Settings” and then select “Traffic”.

Choose “Default Navigation App”.

Select “Google Maps” as your preferred navigation app.

Make sure that the banner notifications for both Google Maps and Alexa are enabled to ensure proper usage.

Adding Alexa to Your Car with Amazon Echo Auto

To add Alexa to your car, you can use the Amazon Echo Auto device. The Echo Auto connects to the internet using your smartphone and provides access to Alexa’s features and capabilities while you’re on the road.

Changing the Search Engine on Echo Show

If you have an Echo Show device, you have the option to change the search engine used within its built-in web browser. However, please note that this change will not affect the search engine used when retrieving voice-activated snippets from the web.

By making these adjustments, you can enhance your car’s navigation capabilities by using Alexa alongside Google Maps.

3 Mistakes & Alerts!!

1. Amazon Echo’s potential privacy concerns due to always-on listening and recording capabilities.
2. Limited compatibility with certain smart home devices and platforms, restricting user options.
3. Occasional misinterpretation of voice commands, leading to inaccurate or unintended actions.