AT&T customers can start to send text messages through their Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

AT&T is the first carrier to launch a "skill" on Amazon's Echo platform, allowing its subscribers to dictate text messages through the always-listening assistant.

While in theory this is fraught with trolling potential, AT&T says that there are steps in place to prevent abuse. Users will have to input specific contacts into the Alexa backend, with a limit of 10 subs numbers per account.

The other news is that AT&T will officially begin selling the $179 Echo and $49 Echo Dot through its website and retail stores, giving the popular living room accessory another huge distribution opportunity through AT&T's 133 million customers.

The service goes live November 18, with more information available through AT&T's portal. No word on whether other American carriers will follow suit.