Skip to main content

In honor of Pokémon Day, there are now apps for both Alexa and Assistant

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It may not be Christmas yet, but it sure is Pokémon Day. And some tech companies are celebrating the arrival of the momentous occasion with about as much fanfare as we would expect for St. Nick, especially Amazon and Google. Both companies’ smart assistants now have Pikachu-themed apps available, because is it really a holiday if Alexa and Assistant aren’t involved?

With Pikachu Talk, you can now ask Pikachu anything you would like via either of the company’s A.I.-powered helpers. Pokémon trainers can strike up a lively conversation with Pikachu, telling him about your day, complaining to him about the injustices of the world, and anything in between. Alas, Pikachu won’t exactly provide sound advice — all he’ll be able to say is something along the lines of “Pikaaaaa.” But what more could you really want?

Recommended Videos

While most Alexa users will be able to access the skill regardless of location, it would appear that only Google Home owners within the United States will be able to take advantage of the Assistant version.

This certainly isn’t the first year that Pokémon Company International has celebrated the holiday, but it is the first time that it’s introduced smart home assistants into the mix. Generally, the gaming company is more keen on using the day to release promotions and branded merchandise, or roll out special edition games. But with the increased ubiquity of Assistant and Alexa, it’s high time that these A.I. helpers got involved.

If you’re not a smart home fanatic, however, don’t panic. Pokémon Company International has thought of you as well. There are three new limited-edition Snapchat lenses with emoji and effects inspired by Pokémon available, too. The first to make its debut features Bulbasaur, while Charmander and Squirtle-inspired lenses will make their debuts in the next few days.

Of course, there’s also a little something for folks who are still playing Pokémon Go (yes, they exist). There will be a Pikachu in a party hat coming out at some point in the near future, and while we doubt you’ll win anything if you spot him, bragging rights must count for something.

Lulu Chang
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
I replaced Google Assistant with Amazon Alexa and haven’t looked back
An Amazon Echo Show 5 on a shelf.

This time last year, I was about to move into a new house, and I made the decision to say goodbye to Google Assistant and hello to Amazon Alexa for all my smart home duties.

Now, almost a year later, I’m absolutely convinced it was the right thing to do, as it showed me how fuss-free smart homes can be — and how Assistant's unreliability had been holding me back.
What made me want to change?
Google Pixel Tablet Andy Boxall/Digital Trends / Google

Read more
Pokémon Sleep April Fools’ Day joke is surprisingly funny
A Pikachu sleeps on a bed.

It's April Fools' Day yet again, so social media is rife with fake announcements and gags to celebrate. The video game industry also loves making these jokes, and while not all of them land well, one of the funniest this year comes from The Pokémon Company and Pokémon Sleep.

Welcome to the Pokémon Sleep World Champions Tournament! ??

Read more
What to do if your Amazon Alexa app is not working
Alexa app on phone.

If you use Amazon Alexa and its quit responding to you, you may have realized by now that there are a ton of thing that could be causing that problem. One big issue is that the Amazon Alexa app itself has potentially shut down communication with you. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the all of the possibilities, letting your Amazon Echo devices sit there useless, and feeling despair, try an ordered list of potential fixes to get things started.

While there are a lot of different reasons for an Alexa to quite responding, if you go through the following techniques one by one, you'll certainly get a resolution to any problems you might be having with the Alexa app. We'll walk you through everything from updating your Alexa device to contacting Amazon for advanced help if no simple fix will work.
Check for a software update

Read more