MTS announced that it was the first Russian operator to launch a call function via Yandex Station together with Yandex.
This function allows you to call numbers of any operators at your current rate and receive incoming calls directly through the speakers.
The innovation became available in beta version in almost all regions where MTS operates. The function can be connected for free through the application “Home with Alice” for all smart Yandex devices, except for Duo Max Station and TVs on the YaOS and YaOS X platform.
To connect, you need to select an option Calls from speakers, like from a phone and show your number. After registration, the user will be able to add up to 10 contacts to the application directory. This restriction will protect against unwanted calls and accept calls only from trusted people.
You can accept a call at the Station using voice command. For example, just say “Alice, take the call.” The virtual assistant will tell you the name of the caller, the call will be received on the speaker synchronously with your smartphone, even if it is in silent mode or turned off. To determine time intervals, if necessary, you can set the “Do not disturb” mode.
Making a call with the speakers is as easy as accepting one. Just say commands, for example, “Alice, call Mom,” and the virtual assistant will dial the desired number on its own.
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We are constantly improving the telecom experience of our subscribers, introducing new functions and capabilities first on the market. According to the survey we conducted this year, 72% of MTS subscribers talk on speakerphone on average 3 times a day, which means that for most of our users, calls via a smart speaker will be habitual. In addition, despite the popularity of smart speakers, sales of which are actively declared from year to year, the new function is becoming more and more in demand.
— Vice President for Digital Products at MTS Maxim Laptev
According to MTS, from January to July 2024, 2.5 million smart speakers were sold in Russia at a cost of 23 billion rubles, which is 39% more in units and 53% more in money compared to the same period.
Yandex accounts for about 90% of smart speaker sales in Russia – since the launch of the first Station at the end of 2018, the company’s smart speakers have sold more than 11 million units.
Source: Iphones RU
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