Quick Hits: Discovery via voice, indies at SXSW, and what if Google buys UMG?
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Voice assistants struggle with discovery. The new journey for indies. What if Google buys UMG? Continue Reading
Google refocuses operating system project to smart speakers and smart displays
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
Google is no longer making the Chromecast Audio
Google has discontinued the Chromecast Audio. A representative from Google confirmed that the specialized device, which streams audio from a mobile device or PC to a home speaker, will no longer be produced. However, Google will continue to provide support for Chromecast Audio owners. Continue Reading
AdsWizz now integrates with Google Display and Video 360
Ad tech company AdsWizz, wholly owned by Pandora, announced new integrations with Google’s Display &Video 360 platform. The deal connects the AudioMax supply side platform, which is used to power Pandora’s programmatic buying solution, and AdWave, a global audio marketplace with more than 3 billion audio ad impressions each month worldwide, to Google’s massive footprint of buy-side users. Continue Reading
Google Home Hub is the tech company’s first smart speaker with display screen
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
Google Assistant now supports monetization for digital goods
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
Google and PRX to launch podcast accelerator
Google has teamed with PRX to launch a podcast accelerator that will help remove barriers to entry and increase diversity among podcasters. The creator program will offer training and empowerment for underrepresented groups. Continue Reading
Google Maps gets musical with multiple streaming integrations
Google Maps has long been the gold standard for navigation, and the platform’s latest update includes a musical angle. The maps service added integrations with Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music. Continue Reading
Google Home Mini was the top-selling smart speaker in Q2 2018 (Strategy Analytics)
Amazon may have held the lead as smart speakers entered the marketplace, but Google is hot on its trail. According to Strategy Analytics, the Google Home Mini was the top-selling smart speaker in the world during the second quarter. Continue Reading
Google Assistant is now bilingual
Google Assistant has been updated with bilingual support, a change that means the voice platform can field queries from two different languages. Prior to the update, managing more than one tongue would have required manually switching between language settings. Continue Reading
Google edging out Amazon in global smart speaker market as China’s importance surges
Google’s global footprint for smart speakers exceeded Amazon’s in the second quarter of 2018. According to the latest estimates from Canalys, Google’s share leapt from 16.9% in Q2 2017 to 32.3% in Q2 2018. That growth helped the tech giant surpass Amazon. Continue Reading
Rumor Fact(ory): Google may release a video screen smart speaker this year
Google may be making a big move in its efforts to secure a bigger slice of the smart speaker pie. According to reports in the Nikkei Asian Review, Google is planning a new smart speaker that will have a video screen. If these rumors come to pass, Google could have a product in direct competition with Amazon’s Echo Show in this year’s holiday shopping season. Continue Reading