Amazon’s Alexa companion app is getting a much-needed redesign

The Alexa app, which acts as a piece of setup and companion software for Amazon’s Echo devices, just got a major visual redesign. The new app has a much improved user interface with easier control over Alexa-enabled smart home devices.

The biggest improvements can be seen in the devices tab, which now allows you to control individual smart lights and power outlets from a single screen at the same time as seeing them grouped by room. Elsewhere the update has focused more on the look of the app rather than adding any new functionality.

The update, which is in the process of rolling out for both iOS and Android worldwide, comes as Alexa is cementing itself as a smart home ecosystem to tie together all of your different devices. Amazon recently released a new hardware kit to make it easier for manufacturers to integrate Alexa support into their devices (such as a microwave) and updated its smart speaker lineup with a new Echo Plus that can control your smart home even when disconnected from the internet.