Voice-activated home speakers, commonly called “smart speakers,” arguably represent the most important new audio distribution platform since the smartphone.
After previous hints that it would be reframing its approach, Apple has reportedly hired Sam Jadallah to lead its smart home business. CNBC reported that Apple has picked up the former Microsoft executive, who most recently was CEO of a smart lock company called Otto. Continue Reading
Google has several operating systems under its umbrella, and one of them is getting a pivot in response to the swelling interest in smart speakers. The Android Things operating system was initially designed as a simpler platform for use in Internet of Things hardware. Continue Reading
Amazon has made its Alexa Skills Blueprints program available to all users, a move that will allow anyone to create and publish content for Alexa-enabled devices. The program has a series of templates for making content available on the voice assistant ecosystem. Continue Reading
The NuVoodoo Ratings Prospects Study is sharing its latest statistics about smart speaker ownership and use in an upcoming webinar. The advanced results found that although ownership is still on the rise, people are encountering challenges with the voice assistants, particularly for use with radio. Continue Reading
Sonos is starting off the 2019 fiscal year with some strong numbers, with Q1 marking the speaker company’s most profitable to date. Despite the good performance, an executive departure has made the market skittish. 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
Amazon Audible has launched a new Alexa skill in partnership with ChooseCo, the creators of the Choose Your Own Adventure book series. The interactive storytelling skill will launch with two stories — The Abominable Snowman and Journey Under the Sea — which have 28 and 37 potential endings, respectively. Continue Reading
Apple is embarking on a new strategy for its AI department. Notably, Bill Stasior has reportedly been removed as the head of the Siri team, which he had helmed since joining the tech company in 2012. Continue Reading
YouTube announced that its music service is now available on Sonos speakers. The integration is rolling out in all markets where YouTube Music and YouTube Music Premium are available. Continue Reading
Sonos may be looking to diversify its product lineup beyond speakers. Sources told Bloomberg that the company is developing high-end, wireless, over-the-ear headphones. As with its smart speakers, the new headphones would reportedly take an agnostic approach, supporting multiple music services and digital assistants. Continue Reading
One week after CES, Steve attended a conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The subject? Amazon Echo and how people will respond to and use the technology. Continue Reading
The latest development from Amazon Alexa is a more nuanced change in its language skills. The assistant now has the option to adopt the speech cadences and delivery of a professional newscaster. We tested it — click for the audio. Continue Reading