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
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
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
The capabilities of voice assistants have been expanding at a rapid rate as developers continue to work with new partners and test the limits of what information the AI can provide. The latest news development is beginning at a small scale, but points to a much broader use case in the future. Continue Reading
Sonos has made good on one of the announcements in its latest quarterly shareholder letter. The company is beginning to roll out a software update that will bring support for the Google Assistant voice AI to its smart speakers. Continue Reading
Sonos has released its second-quarter results with a new shareholder letter. The results included strong performances for a few of Sonos’ notable voice-activated wireless speakers. The other notable announcement from Sonos was its plans to begin rolling out support for Google Assistant this week. Continue Reading
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
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
Voice assistants and smart speakers have been one of the hottest topics at this year’s CES, but one development between two major players is worth a little extra attention. Sonos has been promising an eventual integration with Google Assistant, but that support has been delayed past its initial target date. Google and Sonos hosted demonstrations of the voice assistant on a Sonos Beam and Sonos One this week in Las Vegas. Continue Reading
Just how smart are smart speakers? Loup Ventures has released the results of its annual Smart Speaker IQ Test, and the report found that Google Assistant is currently the brainiest of the bunch. In a test of 800 questions, Google’s voice platform answered 88% correctly. Continue Reading
Google is reinventing a standard feature in smart speakers: the news update. Made famous by Amazon Echo’s “Flash Briefing,” Google’s version is invoked by “Play the news.” The initiative would bring the vast news collection capability of Google News into the voice activation realm. Continue Reading