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
eMarketer found that the audience for voice assistants in the United States is reaching a critical mass. The company projected that 111.8 million people in the country would use a voice assistant at least monthly in 2019, representing 33.8% of the population. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Interview with Jack Hobbs of reVolver Podcasts. Duolingo’s French podcast. Voice tech and smart speakers at work. Continue Reading
Spotify and Apple are familiar with being rivals as both companies work to build their bases as top audio streaming services. But the latest development indicates that the businesses might also learn to work together. 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
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
In an unexpected and comprehensive feature update, Pandora announced that it is rolling out Voice Mode to all of its users. The feature is a personalized voice assistant designed for Pandora and customized to the platform’s listeners. We gave it a whirl. 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
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
The Amazon Alexa voice assistant platform is coming to more and more gadgetry around the home. This week began with rumors of at least eight new Alexa devices to come before the year’s close, and the week is ending with a leak confirming two of them. Continue Reading
The BBC has launched its first voice experience designed for children. The BBC Kids Skill features three interactive games starring characters from CBeebies programming to start; more voice experiences and children’s content are expected to be added in the coming months. Continue Reading