Assistive technology company Orbit Research has announced that Amazon Alexa is now available on its Orbit Player, giving people who are blind or have low vision another way to access books, information and entertainment.
Announced on 10 October 2026, the new feature allows users to interact with Alexa through voice commands or the Orbit Player’s existing tactile buttons.
The Orbit Player is a portable book, allowing users to listen to audiobooks, music and other digital content using physical buttons rather than relying on a touchscreen.
With Alexa now included, users can ask questions, listen to news, play music and podcasts, and access services such as Audible and Kindle.
Orbit Research has integrated the Android version of Alexa into the device, making it accessible through its built-in screen reader and button-based controls. This means users can navigate Alexa without needing to use a touchscreen.
The new feature was developed in collaboration with the Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, India.
Venkatesh Chari, President and CEO of Orbit Research, said the company wanted the Orbit Player to offer more than just access to books and media.
The update began rolling out to existing Orbit Player users on 12 October 2026 through a wireless software update.
Orbit Research has advised that Alexa is a third-party application and that the company does not provide technical support for the service.
For more information, read the Orbit Research announcement about Amazon Alexa coming to the Orbit Player.
