It is great to read with your children, but you may not always be available when they open a book. Amazon believes it can fill that gap. Amazon just launched a long-awaited feature called Reading Sidekick that makes use of an Echo Kids device to allow your children to read aloud at their own pace. To have Alexa read supported books to their children, they just need to say "let's go" to her. In other words, your young ones don't have to wait around for you.Sidekick will require a Kids+ subscription, but you'll still have the option of reading your favorite books. Amazon promises "hundreds" more titles for children aged 6-9, and over 700 titles.Amazon is simultaneously rollingout Alexa Voice Profiles For Kids. You can set them up for as many as four children. They'll receive parental controls, child-appropriate responses, and personalized Alexa skills and media. Voice Profiles for Kids will not be available immediately to all, but should be available by July 2.Amazon knows that teachers and parents should participate in reading when possible. Amazon is not advocating that you use your smart speaker to replace reading at bedtime. Reading Sidekick is designed to fill in the gaps, encourage reading aloud to more children.
