Google Assistant moves into cars

The Google Assistant voice control platform is getting integrated with Android Auto. The interactive car dashboard previously had Google Voice support, but now it will have the full feature set available from Google Assistant. It will still offer the more common functions that Android Auto owners have likely already been using, such as pulling up music or driving directions. Kia has also added Google Assistant support. Continue Reading

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GM pulls (a few) podcasts into its in-car audio suite

General Motors is reportedly adding podcasts to the dashboard of about one-million cars. Only a handful of podcasts will be included in a proprietary selection. The most interesting aspect of this venture is GM’s recognition of podcasting as a worthy audio category around which to build business relationships and proprietary distribution products. Continue Reading

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Pandora “Definitive Guide to Audio” report highlights listening trends chipping away at radio

Pandora has given RAIN News a first look at its 2018 Definitive Guide to Audio, a report on the state of the industry with some statistics on terrestrial radio, streaming music, and podcasts. It’s a beautifully produced collection of data points and research that (unsurprisingly) creates a narrative showing streaming audio in a positive light. But it also does present some of the pain points facing broadcast in particular as audio consumption changes. Continue Reading

Amazon Alexa gets complete integration with BMW deal

The primary focus of Amazon’s big event in Seattle yesterday may have been on the new home technology, but the company also announced that its Alexa voice control systems will be integrated into BMWs and select models of the Mini. BMW and Amazon had already worked on an Alexa skill for the use in the car, but yesterday’s news shows a deeper and more comprehensive application of what voice control can do in a vehicle. Continue Reading