Report: 1 billion devices support voice assistants as U.S. consumer base continues to grow

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Voice assistants and smart devices are one of the hottest topics for the audio industry, and a new report from Voicebot.ai, PullString, and the RAIN Agency traces the trend’s progress. According to the report, voice assistants have moved out of their first phase, marked by availability across platforms and languages and access to core features. It suggested that the second phase of voice will be marked by more nuanced features, use in more contexts, and availability on more connected devices. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s Future of Radio: Is new technology a bad thing for radio?

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: James muses over the pros and cons of adapting new technologies in radio, and shares updates from around the world of audio and broadcasting. Continue Reading →

RAIN Summit Europe dazzles with knowledge and networking

Posted on by Brad Hill

A London tube strike did not prevent 200 delegates from attending RAIN Summit Europe at the British Museum on Wednesday. A full day of presentations, interviews, and panel talks covered podcasting, streaming, advertiser expectations in digital audio, research, and the coexistence of radio and streaming. The event featured a diverse roster of speakers from the U.K. and the continent, as experts came from France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium to participate. Continue Reading →