Voice-activated home speakers, commonly called “smart speakers,” arguably represent the most important new audio distribution platform since the smartphone.
SoundHound is blending the old with the new in its latest announcement. The company is integrating the SoundHound music identification service that first launched it into the tech world is now available for license on its Houndify voice AI platform. Continue Reading
Spotify’s Premium for Family plans have been a contentious subject in recent months, but the latest move features a high-tech perk for listeners. Through December 31, master account holders in the United States can receive a free Google Home Mini. Continue Reading
Market research firm Strategy Analytics has another snapshot of the smart speaker market. The company released a ranking of the top smart speaker models in the United States from a poll of more than 1,000 people during July and August. The results for Amazon look positively rosy, full of potential for Google, and not-too-bright for Apple. Continue Reading
Amazon has two new developments around its voice assistant and smart speaker efforts. The first item is the launch of Amazon Alexa and the Amazon Echo line in Italy and Spain. The other development is a way to submit feedback on Alexa voice skills. Continue Reading
Sirius XM has entered a marketing partnership with Amazon to offer two potential deals in the crossover between satellite radio and smart speakers. The bundles are part of a major promotional initiative by Sirius XM called Bring Us Home, a campaign centered on encouraging listeners to use its satellite radio plans outside of cars. Continue Reading
Google is continuing to release new smart speaker designs to keep pace with its top rival, Amazon. The tech giant’s latest device confirms rumors from last month with the unveiling of the Google Home Hub, a speaker with a display screen, a low price point, and an emphasis on privacy. Continue Reading
Facebook is taking its next strides as a burgeoning hardware company with two new products called Portal and Portal+. The device falls in line one of Facebook’s core concepts: helping people keep in touch. Portal is launching with support from several digital entertainment platforms, including streaming music. Continue Reading
Google Assistant is getting a new look and new features. Most notably for developers, the voice platform now supports transactions for digital goods (physical goods were already supported). Continue Reading
iHeartRadio partnered with The CW to create a version of the network’s upcoming Charmed reboot for devices enabled with Amazon Alexa. When users ask their Alexa device to “open Charmed,” they’ll be asked a series of questions and trivia. Continue Reading
Smart home technology is on the rise in India, with smart speakers one of the newer contributors to the growth. Research firm IDC shared the country-focused data from its global quarterly smart home device report. Continue Reading
Nielsen has debuted a new report focused on emerging technologies, and the first installment turned its eye toward the smart speaker trend. The new quarterly MediaTech Trender Survey includes 2,000 U.S. consumers aged 13 and up. Smart speakers are making quick work at converting people into repeat customers; in the U.S. homes that have a smart speaker, four in 10 have more than one such device. Continue Reading
Amazon announced both new updates to its Alexa voice platform and new devices that will integrate the AI. The tech conglomerate has released new versions of its existing smart speakers Echo Dot, Echo Plus, and Echo Show. The new devices include the previously leaked Echo Sub and Amazon Smart Plug. Continue Reading