NFL launches interactive Alexa skill

The National Football League (NFL) has launched a voice-activated app that will use the Alexa smart assistant to guide fans through the 2019 NFL Playoffs and postseason. The Rookie’s Guide to the NFL will be available on Amazon devices, and aims to teach users about NFL players, history, rules, trivia, and more through Alexa’s interactive content.

The app, which was created by the NFL’s Digital Lab, is free for download in Alexa’s English language regions, and can define more than 1,000 NFL terms and rules. Users may inquire what certain football jargon means, like screen pass, interference, and hail Mary.

Users can also ask Alexa full questions, such as “Who did Peyton Manning play for?” or “Which team has the most Super Bowl wins?” Alexa will then be able to answer questions in short sentences, long sentences (“Go Long”), or digital form, such as a video or picture projected onto screens compatible with Alexa devices.

According to the NFL, The Rookie’s Guide to the NFL is meant as a “guide for everyone, from newbies to experts.” The app also includes Game Plan, a weekly five-minute podcast that covers each round of the playoffs and Super Bowl. The podcast, which will cover player and coach audio, key stats, and game audio, is hosted by former player and Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, among other NFL players.

Previously, the NFL had launched an add-on available for Google Home devices, called The NFL in :60, which provided daily NFL news updates. The new Alexa skill has integrated The NFL in :60, so users simply ask for the news and are told the leagues latest flash briefing.

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