Amazon introduces 'follow-up' mode for Alexa

American electronic commerce and cloud computing company, Amazon, announced the launch of a follow-up mode for its voice assistant, Alexa.

With the new update, users, who wish to ask queries to Alexa, can now do so without having to call out to Alexa each time, TechCrunch reported.

At present, digital home assistants such as Alexa, Siri, and Google answer queries to its users. However, for any follow-up question, the conventional phrases, such as 'Hey Siri' or 'OK Google' have to be repeated each time.

However, with the new opt-in feature, Alexa will listen for five seconds after the first response. If the device is ready for a follow-up question, the blue indicator light will flash, thereby indicating to the user that he/she can ask the next question. If no follow-up question is being asked, the device will restore to the sleep mode.

The new feature, Amazon said, will be available on all hands-free Alexa-enabled devices.

The update follows the introduction of a new messaging feature for Alexa devices in the United States, which will allow users to send SMS messages to their friends and other contacts.