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Amazon enables a smart home Device Dashboard on some Fire tablets

Now you don't have to yell to ask Alexa for help.

Amazon

Amazon is adding a Device Dashboard to select Fire tablets, allowing users to control their smart-home gadgets with taps instead of voice commands. Starting today, the new Smart Home hub will go live for the Amazon Fire 7 (2019), HD 8 (2018 and 2020), and HD 10 (2019), ZDNet reports.

The Device Dashboard will be accessible via the new Smart Home button in the left corner of the navigation bar. Additionally, it’ll be accessible from any screen, including the lock screen.

The update turns the Fire tablet into a control center for Amazon’s growing list of Alexa-powered devices, including the new, globular Echo.

Rival smart-home makers Google and Apple have similar Home apps for their devices, so this is really Amazon playing catch-up with the competition.

Update 2:18PM ET: Amazon confirmed the Device Dashboard rollout to Engadget, clarifying that it supports “smart home products that work with Alexa, such as smart lights, cameras, thermostats, switches, and plugs.”