Amazon and Disney have joined forces to introduce an innovative and interactive experience that combines the capabilities of Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, with Disney’s extensive lineup of beloved characters. The collaboration has resulted in “Hey Disney!”, a voice assistant available on most voice-activated Echo devices. This marks the first time that Amazon has allowed a voice assistant other than Alexa on its range of speakers and tablets.
To access the features of “Hey Disney!”, users must purchase an annual subscription through the Alexa Skills Store. Once subscribed, a simple change of the wake word to “Hey Disney!” unlocks the “Disney Magical Companion.” This feature provides access to 20 distinct personalities and voices from Disney’s vast collection of characters, spanning Disney, Pixar, and the Star Wars franchise. As an added bonus, the service is included as part of Amazon Kids+ at no additional cost.
When interacting with their favorite characters, users will experience a heightened level of personality when performing tasks such as checking the weather or setting an alarm. For instance, Olaf from Frozen may provide weather updates, and users can enjoy a themed soundscape inspired by the moon of Endor from Return of the Jedi. The emphasis here lies in storytelling, with Amazon promoting “interactive adventures with characters” and “immersive entertainment.” Additionally, a new multiplayer Disney trivia game has been introduced, offering voice-only experiences for Echo speakers and visuals for Echo Show tablets.
While this collaboration may be new to a wider audience, it was initially unveiled last year as an exclusive release for Disney Resort hotels. Now, it has become available to the general public, provided they subscribe to the dedicated “Hey Disney!” service, priced at $6 per year, or already possess an Amazon Kids+ plan.
The partnership between Amazon and Disney presents an exciting opportunity for fans to engage with their favorite characters in a novel and interactive way. By combining the power of Alexa’s voice assistant technology with Disney’s iconic roster of characters, the companies have created a unique experience that aims to delight and entertain users of all ages.
