Sonos narrows losses and grows revenue in Q3
Sonos published the financial results from its third quarter of the 2019 fiscal year. The company’s revenue totaled $260 million, growing 25% year-over-year. Continue Reading
Smart Speakers
Voice-activated home speakers, commonly called “smart speakers,” arguably represent the most important new audio distribution platform since the smartphone.
Amazon adds opt-out for human reviews of Alexa recordings
Both Apple and Google responded to privacy issues surrounding their voice assistants last week. Now Amazon is also heading off potential issues for its Alexa platform. Continue Reading
Apple and Google suspend human review of voice recordings after privacy outcries
Human review of voice assistant recordings has been a fiery topic of late, and actions are already being taken to improve privacy for their users. Apple announced that it will globally suspend its grading program, while Google has stopped the practice in Europe. Continue Reading
BBC adds ‘continue listening’ option to its Alexa skill
The BBC has continued to make updates and improvements to its Alexa skill. The biggest new development is the ability to seamlessly continue listening to a program between an Alexa-enabled device and the BBC Sounds app or website. Continue Reading
Massachusetts rep introduces bill aimed at tightening privacy protections for smart speaker owners
After all three of the main developers of voice assistant platforms have faced privacy breaches, either through whistleblowers or through human or mechanical errors, a member of Congress is moving to address the risks to consumers. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) has introduced a new act that would give people recourse for when smart speakers and smart doorbells collect data in violation of their terms of agreements. Continue Reading
Audioburst announces support for Android Auto and Samsung’s Bixby
Audioburst has announced two new partnerships for its platform of AI-powered audio snippets. First, Audioburst Auto is being rolled out on Android Auto in-car infotainment systems. The second deal will see Audioburst integrated with the Bixby voice assistant from Samsung. Continue Reading
Adobe survey reveals directions for making voice tech easier for users
Adobe released the findings from its latest survey into use of voice technology. At this stage in the development of AI assistants, the trend appears to be that voice controls can be useful and offer benefits, the technology comes with a steep learning curve that is limiting uptake. Continue Reading
Canalys: China will be the largest install base of smart assistant devices by 2023
New research further solidifies the importance of China as a future top market for applications of voice technologies. Canalys released a prediction that China will be the world’s largest smart assistant install base by 2023, numbering an estimated 5.8 billion devices with the technology built-in or compatible. Continue Reading
Google Assistant subcontractors are listening to Dutch users’ private conversations
Amazon recently had its moments in the crosshairs over privacy concerns with Echo devices listening in on users’ conversations. Now Google’s up. A Dutch broadcaster was able to access a thousand recordings through a Google subcontractor, and overheard some things they definitely shouldn’t have. Continue Reading
Rumor Fact(ory): Amazon reportedly working on a high-end Echo speaker
Amazon has carved out a large amount of territory in the smart speaker market, and it may have another effort under way to reach new audiences. Bloomberg reported that Amazon could be working on an Echo smart speaker with improved audio quality, one that could rival the high-end, audiophile options on the market. Continue Reading
Apple HomePod planning release in Japan this summer
Apple’s HomePod has not been a fast mover. It has been slow to make inroads with U.S. consumers, and it has also been gradual with reaching new markets. The latest development will bring the smart speaker to Japan, although later than originally expected. Continue Reading
Amazon exec details when and why the company keeps voice recordings
Voice assistants have been gaining in popularity, but many people are cautious about the technology for privacy reasons. When a microphone is constantly on and waiting to respond to a possible command, is it recording any and all other audio? And what happens with those recordings? Continue Reading