Russ Crupnick of MusicWatch returns to RAIN News with a bold and well researched assessment of SiriusXM, reaching a broad conclusion that the satellite/streaming service is underestimated after a challenging Q1 earnings call. Original research from MusicWatch bolsters the argument, in addition to several keen business-side observations from Russ. A thorough assessment and a good read. Continue Reading
The major tech companies making voice assistants all faced consumer backlash in the past several months over privacy issues. While many took steps to give users more control over participating in human review programs, the exposés also revealed that many smart speakers record their users at times when the individual hadn’t uttered a wake word. New research from a group of universities explored the extent to which popular TV shows can accidentally turn on a smart speaker’s microphone. Continue Reading
The Amazon Echo line of smart devices is getting new integrations aimed at improving the options for podcast fans. Both Spotify and Apple announced today that their podcast content can be played on the Amazon devices. We try it out. Mixed results. Continue Reading
Amazon has developed several smart speaker iterations for its Echo line of devices. The latest is a battery-powered, portable option that is rolling out in India. The product is called the Echo Input Portable Smart Speaker Edition Continue Reading
Smart speakers have been hit with several scandals over privacy and user protections this year, and now there’s a new, even riskier one unfolding. Whitehat hackers based in Germany developed eight apps for smart speakers that were able to eavesdrop on users and phish their passwords. Continue Reading
Amazon launched a series of new products and developments to its voice platform yesterday. The company unveiled eight devices for its Echo line of smart home devices and a push into wearables. Continue Reading
Canalys has been tracking shipments of smart speakers for the past several years, and its report on the second quarter of 2019 revealed a shakeup in leading brands. Amazon remained the top brand with 6.6 million units shipped for its Echo line securing 25.4% market share. Baidu, based in China, took over the second spot with 4.5 million units. Continue Reading
Amazon has carved out a large amount of territory in the smart speaker market, and it may have another effort under way to reach new audiences. Bloomberg reported that Amazon could be working on an Echo smart speaker with improved audio quality, one that could rival the high-end, audiophile options on the market. Continue Reading
Amazon announced a refresh of its smart speaker designed specifically for children. The Echo Dot Kids Edition was first released last April. Despite the new developments, Amazon and its Alexa voice assistant has raised some kid-focused privacy concerns. Continue Reading
Amazon released a new version of its display smart speaker as well as new privacy updates to its Alexa voice assistant. On the hardware side, the company launched the Echo Show 5. Amazon Alexa has also received new updates to reflect other privacy concerns. Continue Reading
Smart speakers present a potentially valuable new option for music services to reach listeners. The space poses a particular interest for tech firms operating in both hardware and software, since they can create brand loyalty within audiences who will buy their devices and then continue to provide revenue as subscription listeners. Continue Reading
Consumer Intelligence Research Partners has shared its latest research into smart speaker ownership in the United States. The total install base for smart speakers in the country at the close of 2018 is 66 million, up from 36 million in 2017. A growing share of the install base has more than one smart speaker, up to 35% in 2018 from 18% in 2017. Continue Reading