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
Samsung is planning to open up its Bixby voice assistant platform to third-party developers. The tech conglomerate is slated to introduce a software development kit at its annual Samsung Developer Conference in November that will provide resources and documentation to build apps leveraging the voice platform. Continue Reading
At IFA 2018, a major tech showcase in Europe, smart speakers are decisively moving into the foreground of home electronics. Although many brands are getting into the smart speaker game, a few of the new products announced at the event went a step further and took the Swiss army knife approach, combining smart speaker functions with other home tech. Continue Reading
Two familiar names in audio engineering are throwing their hats into the premium smart speaker ring. Apple’s HomePod and the Sonos One are currently the two biggest contenders in the high-end audio space, but all signs point to this niche getting crowded fast. Continue Reading
Smart speakers are a newer product segment in Japan, but the devices have gained awareness quickly in that market. Recent data shared by Voicebot from Marketing Research Camp showed that rates of smart speaker ownership among ages 15-69 in Japan rose from 4.5% in late 2017 to 5.7% in February 2018. Continue Reading
Instreamatic.ai announced that it has launched an advertising campaign centered on voice response capabilities in Russia. The campaign, a joint effort with Alfa-Bank and OMD, served users a short audio tease at the launch of a radio stream that ended with a call to action for further information about the product, a debit card. Continue Reading
Amazon and Microsoft have integrated their digital assistants, which could open up new possibilities for cross-support of features and services outside of whatever hardware brand a user owns. Plans for an integration were announced last year, and the integration is just available as a preview in the U.S. right now. Continue Reading
Podcast platform Acast has added a new voice development that hits close to home. The company, headquartered in Stockholm, has launched a new voice app for Google Assistant in Sweden. Continue Reading