FINALLY got the Call and Message features to work!

[coyote]

Amazon should make this clearer. There are a number of prerequisites for successful installation.

First, you have to have android 5 or higher.
Second, your android account cannot have any 'lagging' devices on it! If you have a device that cannot meet the requirements on your account, the new version of the software will not install.

There is a workaround for the second item... and that is to search for, and install, the Alexa APK. But let's face it, most users are not savvy enough to find an apk, download it, find it in their phone download area, and then install it while giving the phone the required rights to install third-party apps etc.

The workaround for the first item? A 'burner' phone. I got one for $30 at bestbuy, and of course they can be had elsewhere. No contract, just buy the phone and use it as a mini tablet. You'll have to activate it and use its number as your Amazon number for setting up the call function, then just don't pay the monthly fee.