Voice-activated home speakers, commonly called “smart speakers,” arguably represent the most important new audio distribution platform since the smartphone.
Google Assistant is broadening support for listening on YouTube. The free, ad-supported tier of YouTube Music can now be requested from any device running the voice platform, including the Google Home smart speaker line. Continue Reading
Facebook may be looking to launch its own voice assistant. Unnamed sources have claimed that the tech company’s team for augmented and virtual reality has been working on a voice platform since early 2018. Continue Reading
Sonos has added partial support for Apple Music to its smart speakers. For now, the streaming service is only accessible on Sonos One and Sonos Beam devices. This is a big move from two businesses that have been slow to adopt new partners in the smart speaker space. Continue Reading
Amazon has introduced a certification for developers building skills for its Alexa voice assistant. The certification is fittingly called AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty. Amazon said this marks the first time it has provided a certification for developers. Continue Reading
Billboard is reporting this morning that Amazon plans to offer and ad-supported streaming music service possibly similar to services offered by Pandora or Spotify. If true, service would join other Amazon listening services already in the market. Continue Reading
Research firm Canalys has released a new report with projections for smart speaker sales this year. It anticipates that the global install base for the product category will increase 82.4% from 114 million units in 2018 to 207.9 million units in 2019. The company forecast that smart speakers would have a larger audience than tablets by 2021. Continue Reading
NPR has entered a new partnership with Amazon that will increase the amount of content to listeners with Alexa-enabled devices. Requests to “play the news” on Alexa have defaulted to the most recent NPR hourly newscast. Going forward, this voice skill will offer a continuous listening experience of content from the broadcaster. Continue Reading
Hollywood has been turning to podcasts for creative inspiration, but major movie releases are also finding other ways to work with audio. An upcoming stop-motion animation movie titled Missing Link is being promoted with a new Alexa skill. Continue Reading
Sonos has partnered with Ikea for a line of smart home products. The collection, dubbed Symfonisk, will be available starting in August 2019. The pairing of Sonos, known as a high-end company appealing to audiophiles, with Ikea’s inexpensive, design-for-all approach is an interesting one. Continue Reading
Apple has reduced the prices for its HomePod smart speaker in several markets. For the U.S., the cost has been cut from $349 to $299. It’s unclear whether this adjustment may pave the way for a future new product launch or if it’s a response to market trends. Continue Reading
The Google Assistant voice AI platform has introduced two developments this week. First, it is adding a new tool for voice-driven shopping. Second, it’s getting a new sound with its first celebrity cameo. Continue Reading
Google’s next smart home product appears to be a hub device. The new hardware will be called the Nest Hub Max, a smart display with a Nest camera and a 10-inch screen. The upcoming launch was leaked by accident in an update to the website for its Google Store. Continue Reading