Voice-activated home speakers, commonly called “smart speakers,” arguably represent the most important new audio distribution platform since the smartphone.
Apple made a definite shift in its media approach with the latest updates to macOS, and its new mobile software is also showing signs of a different perspective. While the Mac update’s audio focus was in streaming, the most recent version of iOS brings more third-party access to the Siri voice assistant. Continue Reading
Google has introduced a new tool for transitioning media from one smart device to another. Its stream transfer feature can transition music, videos, and podcasts between compatible devices. Continue Reading
Sonos is launching a new way for people to try out smart speaker ownership before committing to a purchase of its expensive hardware. The company is trying out a program called Flex, where people can rent Sonos speakers by the month for home use. Continue Reading
Amazon has been expanding into Brazil. The tech company introduced Amazon Prime and Amazon Music there last month, and now has rolled out two of its Echo line of smart speakers and Alexa voice assistant in the market. Continue Reading
Voice technology is still a nascent field, and one with lots of development yet to be made. A new joint effort from multiple tech operations, dubbed the Voice Interoperability Initiative, aims to improve how customers can navigate using multiple voice services. Continue Reading
General Motors announced that it is rolling out a new Amazon Alexa experience for multiple car makes in the first half of 2020. Models of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac from 2018 and newer will be getting access to Amazon’s voice AI support in this move. 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
Google announced new privacy policies around how it handles recordings made with its voice AI platform. Under the new default for Google Assistant, the company will not retain user recordings. Customers can opt into Google’s Voice & Audio Activity program when they set up the AI. Continue Reading
Google is testing out a new effort to bring its voice assistant to cellphones without internet access. The India pilot program offers a 24/7 phone number that people can call to pose their questions to Google Assistant. Continue Reading
Pandora announced that a new integration with Amazon’s Alexa voice platform. The latest feature is called Alexa Linking, which will make it easier for listeners to activate Pandora on the Echo collection of smart devices. Continue Reading
Apple usually shares a lot of hardware updates in the fall, and it appears that the company’s smart speaker will be getting a few new features. The HomePod was not discussed at all during the Apple keynote event this week, but its product page was updated with news that the device would be getting radio streaming on September 30. Continue Reading
Kantar Media shared new insights about smart speakers in the United States. The latest Worldpanel ComTech data revealed that the net promoter score, a ratio of a product’s likely recommenders versus its detractors, has dropped from 30 to 20 for smart speakers. Continue Reading