Voice in a Can
Watch and phone app for Alexa
$1.99
2.16for iPhone, iPad and more
Age Rating
Voice in a Can Screenshots
About Voice in a Can
An Apple Watch (standalone, no phone required), iPhone and iPad app for using Alexa.
Control your home devices, ask general questions, add and remove items to your shopping list and set timers etc. It is an Alexa implementation. On your wrist.
There are nine things you should know before getting this app:
1. The Series 4 watch and newer are supported;
2. Your phone controls installation of the app to the watch, not the app. Put your watch on a charger to speed up install time;
3. Not all audio content can be supported. Amazon don't allow third-party apps such as this app to play music, audio books or some daily-news content, make announcements or drop-in;
4. You can use a Siri Shortcut to launch the app and start speaking, just by raising your wrist on Apple Watch. See the support page on how to configure;
5. All watch complication types are supported, including those really weird ones. Also you can change the complication icon under Settings;
6. The watch app can listen automatically on launch. There is an option under settings to do the same thing on the iPhone;
7. If the weather or time are wrong, ensure you've enabled Location access in the Alexa app to the "Voice in a Can" device, and that you have granted Location permissions to the app on your phone;
8. You don't have to say "Alexa" ... just speak your command when the app is listening;
9. You can change the language that you speak and hear responses in, under "Settings" on the watch and phone. Only languages supported by Alexa are supported. The language should be set automatically.
If you have questions or any support issues please don't hesitate to email damian@voiceinacan.com ... you should get a response within 24 hours, and often in minutes.
This app was not created or endorsed by Amazon. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates
Control your home devices, ask general questions, add and remove items to your shopping list and set timers etc. It is an Alexa implementation. On your wrist.
There are nine things you should know before getting this app:
1. The Series 4 watch and newer are supported;
2. Your phone controls installation of the app to the watch, not the app. Put your watch on a charger to speed up install time;
3. Not all audio content can be supported. Amazon don't allow third-party apps such as this app to play music, audio books or some daily-news content, make announcements or drop-in;
4. You can use a Siri Shortcut to launch the app and start speaking, just by raising your wrist on Apple Watch. See the support page on how to configure;
5. All watch complication types are supported, including those really weird ones. Also you can change the complication icon under Settings;
6. The watch app can listen automatically on launch. There is an option under settings to do the same thing on the iPhone;
7. If the weather or time are wrong, ensure you've enabled Location access in the Alexa app to the "Voice in a Can" device, and that you have granted Location permissions to the app on your phone;
8. You don't have to say "Alexa" ... just speak your command when the app is listening;
9. You can change the language that you speak and hear responses in, under "Settings" on the watch and phone. Only languages supported by Alexa are supported. The language should be set automatically.
If you have questions or any support issues please don't hesitate to email damian@voiceinacan.com ... you should get a response within 24 hours, and often in minutes.
This app was not created or endorsed by Amazon. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates
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What's New in the Latest Version 2.16
Last updated on Dec 12, 2023
Old Versions
Bug Fix: Shopping lists were not displaying, now they are.
Please email me at damian@voiceinacan.com if you run into any issues.
Please email me at damian@voiceinacan.com if you run into any issues.
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Version History
2.16
Dec 12, 2023
Bug Fix: Shopping lists were not displaying, now they are.
Please email me at damian@voiceinacan.com if you run into any issues.
Please email me at damian@voiceinacan.com if you run into any issues.
2.13
Sep 16, 2023
In this release I've:
* Moved to using Widgets on Apple Watch rather than the obsolete complication mechanism. I've attempted to maintain support for the Apple Watch Series 3, please let me know if you run into issues.
* Added initial support for Arabic.
* Fixed a bug when start/stop listening sounds would cause the microphone to listen prematurely when prompting for a followup question
* Made it possible your app icon on the iPhone
* Moved to using Widgets on Apple Watch rather than the obsolete complication mechanism. I've attempted to maintain support for the Apple Watch Series 3, please let me know if you run into issues.
* Added initial support for Arabic.
* Fixed a bug when start/stop listening sounds would cause the microphone to listen prematurely when prompting for a followup question
* Made it possible your app icon on the iPhone
2.12
Mar 28, 2023
Bugfix for crash on launch on WatchOS 9.4
2.11
Jan 17, 2023
Bug fix: Microphone button sometimes does not re-appear, leaving only the caption from the previous request.
Enhancement: Added a lock screen widget to let you launch the app from the lock screen.
Enhancement: Added a lock screen widget to let you launch the app from the lock screen.
2.10
Jan 11, 2023
Bug fix: You can now swipe shopping list items on the watch to remove them
Bug fix: Timers should now come as more prominent notifications, and the timer sound should play. Please wait a few seconds after setting the timer, since it takes time for the request to enable the notification to arrive from the Alexa service to the app. Try "Set a 20 second pizza timer", wait 5 seconds, and the close the app. You should receive a notification which you can tap on to open Voice in a Can, and you'll hear "Your pizza timer is done, your pizza timer is done...". Say "Stop" to stop it.
Enhancement: You can now enable start/stop listening sounds in Settings on the watch and phone (swipe left on the main page)
Bug fix: Timers should now come as more prominent notifications, and the timer sound should play. Please wait a few seconds after setting the timer, since it takes time for the request to enable the notification to arrive from the Alexa service to the app. Try "Set a 20 second pizza timer", wait 5 seconds, and the close the app. You should receive a notification which you can tap on to open Voice in a Can, and you'll hear "Your pizza timer is done, your pizza timer is done...". Say "Stop" to stop it.
Enhancement: You can now enable start/stop listening sounds in Settings on the watch and phone (swipe left on the main page)
2.9
Jul 11, 2022
Bug fix for crash when asking for the weather
2.8
Feb 11, 2022
Bug fixes:
* Added accessibility label to the login button. If you notice any accessibility bugs please reach out.
* Removed the "Start Listening" Siri Intent, since it was not working in the watch app. Instead please use the Scripting Action->Launch App in shortcuts.
* Bug fix for an issue where the app did not restart properly.
* Added accessibility label to the login button. If you notice any accessibility bugs please reach out.
* Removed the "Start Listening" Siri Intent, since it was not working in the watch app. Instead please use the Scripting Action->Launch App in shortcuts.
* Bug fix for an issue where the app did not restart properly.
2.7
Jan 22, 2022
Bug fixes: Addressing connectivity errors and general reliability
2.6
Dec 5, 2021
Bug fixes:
* Login code not always visible when logging in on the watch;
* Fix for hang/error "Error starting microphone. Does your device have one?" on the watch.
* Login code not always visible when logging in on the watch;
* Fix for hang/error "Error starting microphone. Does your device have one?" on the watch.
2.5
Nov 21, 2021
Apple Watch bug fixes:
o Shopping list now scrolls;
o You should no longer be occasionally logged out on the Apple Watch.
o Shopping list now scrolls;
o You should no longer be occasionally logged out on the Apple Watch.
2.3
Aug 13, 2021
Bug fix: Code not recognized when logging in on the watch
2.2
Jul 8, 2021
1. Added a "Stop" button so that you can stop listening manually
2. Added an option to make the app start listening if you tilt it away and then tilt it back
3. Fixed a crash on non-Cellular Apple Watch Series 3
4. Made attaching logs optional when submitting bug reports
5. Fixed bug entering code to login to watch ("Invalid Code")
6. If microphone permission has not been granted, shows a message requesting it be granted
7. Added option to rotate the screen when tilted away
Technical nitty gritty:
8. Fixed a bug that stopped skills being able to receive Viewport information
9. Updated to APL Core 1.6.1
2. Added an option to make the app start listening if you tilt it away and then tilt it back
3. Fixed a crash on non-Cellular Apple Watch Series 3
4. Made attaching logs optional when submitting bug reports
5. Fixed bug entering code to login to watch ("Invalid Code")
6. If microphone permission has not been granted, shows a message requesting it be granted
7. Added option to rotate the screen when tilted away
Technical nitty gritty:
8. Fixed a bug that stopped skills being able to receive Viewport information
9. Updated to APL Core 1.6.1
2.1
May 31, 2021
A minor update. In this version:
1. I have a hint about how to change watch complications in the Settings page;
2. Fixed a bug that could cause the app to hang if it was previously closed while doing something;
3. Fixed an issue when logging out and logging back in again.
1. I have a hint about how to change watch complications in the Settings page;
2. Fixed a bug that could cause the app to hang if it was previously closed while doing something;
3. Fixed an issue when logging out and logging back in again.
2.0
May 26, 2021
Version 2.0 includes:
1. Echo Show style UI on the watch and the phone, including a more dynamic interface;
2. You can now swipe to remove items from shopping lists;
3. Faster response;
4. You should no longer be logged out from time to time;
5. You no longer need to install the phone app to install the watch app;
6. The Alexa alert audio ("Your pizza timer is done") is set as your iPhone notification sound when the alert fires.
Technical details: I've re-written the app in Swift and SwiftUI. I have initial support for the Alexa Presentation Language which is what powers devices such as the Echo Show, and is what allows you to swipe items off your shopping list on your watch.
1. Echo Show style UI on the watch and the phone, including a more dynamic interface;
2. You can now swipe to remove items from shopping lists;
3. Faster response;
4. You should no longer be logged out from time to time;
5. You no longer need to install the phone app to install the watch app;
6. The Alexa alert audio ("Your pizza timer is done") is set as your iPhone notification sound when the alert fires.
Technical details: I've re-written the app in Swift and SwiftUI. I have initial support for the Alexa Presentation Language which is what powers devices such as the Echo Show, and is what allows you to swipe items off your shopping list on your watch.
1.0.40
Jan 21, 2021
Fixed issue using Siri Shortcuts twice in a row.
1.0.39
Jun 27, 2020
New in this release:
* Fixes crash when running on early WatchOS 7 Betas
* Once you've launched this new version you should see "Authenticating..." less frequently, since the app attempts to refresh authentication with Amazon in the background. This will especially be the case if the app is set as a complication since it will be given more background processing time
* Audio feedback from routines should now play properly.
* The minimum iOS and WatchOS versions have been changed to 13 and 6 respectively
* Fixes crash when running on early WatchOS 7 Betas
* Once you've launched this new version you should see "Authenticating..." less frequently, since the app attempts to refresh authentication with Amazon in the background. This will especially be the case if the app is set as a complication since it will be given more background processing time
* Audio feedback from routines should now play properly.
* The minimum iOS and WatchOS versions have been changed to 13 and 6 respectively
1.0.38
Jun 25, 2020
New in this release:
* Fixes crash when running on early WatchOS 7 Betas
* Once you've launched this new version you should see "Authenticating..." less frequently, since the app attempts to refresh authentication with Amazon in the background. This will especially be the case if the app is set as a complication since it will be given more background processing time
* Audio feedback from routines should now play properly.
* Fixes crash when running on early WatchOS 7 Betas
* Once you've launched this new version you should see "Authenticating..." less frequently, since the app attempts to refresh authentication with Amazon in the background. This will especially be the case if the app is set as a complication since it will be given more background processing time
* Audio feedback from routines should now play properly.
1.0.34
Jan 11, 2020
1. You can now choose the icon used for the watch complication (just two options for now) under Settings on the watch app;
2. Support for Airpods Pro;
3. The voice language is set automatically based on device language (you can change it under Settings);
4. The watch app size has been halved, hopefully reducing installation issues;
5. Portugese, Spanish and Italian and more added. Please let me know if any of the translations are wrong;
6. There is now an option to display captions as Alexa speaks. You may need to logout and log back in again for these changes to work.
For those of you that like the nitty gritty details, in technical terms I've implemented/updated the following Alexa Voice Service interfaces: Alexa 3.0, Alexa.APIGateway 2.0, Alexa.Discovery 3.0 and updated to SpeechRecognizer 2.3, SpeechSynthesizer 1.3, System 2.0 and InteractionModel 1.2
2. Support for Airpods Pro;
3. The voice language is set automatically based on device language (you can change it under Settings);
4. The watch app size has been halved, hopefully reducing installation issues;
5. Portugese, Spanish and Italian and more added. Please let me know if any of the translations are wrong;
6. There is now an option to display captions as Alexa speaks. You may need to logout and log back in again for these changes to work.
For those of you that like the nitty gritty details, in technical terms I've implemented/updated the following Alexa Voice Service interfaces: Alexa 3.0, Alexa.APIGateway 2.0, Alexa.Discovery 3.0 and updated to SpeechRecognizer 2.3, SpeechSynthesizer 1.3, System 2.0 and InteractionModel 1.2
1.0.30
Sep 27, 2019
1. iOS 13 and WatchOS 6 bug fixes;
2. If you use VoiceOver a start and stop sound is played when the microphone starts and stops listening. I am very keen to get feedback from the visually impaired;
3. You can now disable auto-rotation of the watch screen when the app is waiting for Amazon's servers to reply. Doing so will have the side-effect of stopping the app when the screen goes blank if you tilt your watch away;
4. Silence-detection settings are now preserved on the watch;
5. You now have the option to start listening on launch on the iPhone;
6. The OK button when changing languages on the watch is now visible on smaller watches.
2. If you use VoiceOver a start and stop sound is played when the microphone starts and stops listening. I am very keen to get feedback from the visually impaired;
3. You can now disable auto-rotation of the watch screen when the app is waiting for Amazon's servers to reply. Doing so will have the side-effect of stopping the app when the screen goes blank if you tilt your watch away;
4. Silence-detection settings are now preserved on the watch;
5. You now have the option to start listening on launch on the iPhone;
6. The OK button when changing languages on the watch is now visible on smaller watches.
1.0.25
May 27, 2019
* You can change your language by swiping over two pages from the main page;
* If you permit location access then the time, weather and other location-specific information should be based on your current location.
* If you permit location access then the time, weather and other location-specific information should be based on your current location.
1.0.21
Mar 30, 2019
Minor cosmetic change: The icon you tap to start speaking has been updated.
1.0.19
Mar 11, 2019
* Improved performance: you will no longer have to wait for "synchronizing";
* Silence-detection on the watch: you should generally not need to tap the button when you've finished speaking;
* Visual feedback (templates) are displayed in response to some questions ("How deep is the ocean");
* In-app volume control (swipe over two pages from the main page).
* Silence-detection on the watch: you should generally not need to tap the button when you've finished speaking;
* Visual feedback (templates) are displayed in response to some questions ("How deep is the ocean");
* In-app volume control (swipe over two pages from the main page).
1.0.18
Oct 27, 2018
o Siri Shortcuts are supported. On your phone you can register a word or phrase used to launch the app, such as "Voice in a Can" or "Alexa";
o On your watch you can raise the watch to your mouth and say the same word to launch the app, you'll feel a gentle tap when it is ready. It might take a few minutes for the shortcut to sync from your phone to your watch (outside my control);
o All complication types are now supported (all the old ones, and the new ones);
o The font size used on the watch has been toned down a little.
o On your watch you can raise the watch to your mouth and say the same word to launch the app, you'll feel a gentle tap when it is ready. It might take a few minutes for the shortcut to sync from your phone to your watch (outside my control);
o All complication types are now supported (all the old ones, and the new ones);
o The font size used on the watch has been toned down a little.
1.0.17
Oct 25, 2018
o Siri Shortcuts are supported. On your phone you can register a word or phrase used to launch the app, such as "Voice in a Can" or "Alexa";
o On your watch you can raise the watch to your mouth and say the same word to launch the app, you'll feel a gentle tap when it is ready. It might take a few minutes for the shortcut to sync between the phone and the watch (outside my control);
o All complication types are now supported (all the old ones, and the new ones);
o The font size used on the watch has been toned down a little.
o On your watch you can raise the watch to your mouth and say the same word to launch the app, you'll feel a gentle tap when it is ready. It might take a few minutes for the shortcut to sync between the phone and the watch (outside my control);
o All complication types are now supported (all the old ones, and the new ones);
o The font size used on the watch has been toned down a little.
1.0.13
Jul 20, 2018
Improved VoiceOver support (accessibility) on the Apple Watch, so that VoiceOver speach doesn't get picked up by the Alexa Voice Service when you tap the Start/Stop button.
Voice in a Can FAQ
Voice in a Can is available in regions other than the following restricted countries:
Russia
Voice in a Can supports English, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
Click here to learn how to download Voice in a Can in restricted country or region.
Check the following list to see the minimum requirements of Voice in a Can.
iPhone
Requires iOS 16.0 or later.
iPad
Requires iPadOS 16.0 or later.
Mac
Requires macOS 13.0 or later.
Apple Watch
Requires watchOS 8.5 or later.
Apple Vision
Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.
Related Videos
Latest introduction video of Voice in a Can on iPhone
Latest introduction video of Voice in a Can on iPhone
