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Microsoft says humans will still transcribe Cortana and Skype audio
Just like seemingly every other major tech company with a voice assistant or voice chat service, it emerged that Microsoft contractors were listening to Skype and Cortana recordings. Apple, Google and Facebook have temporarily halted similar efforts, and Amazon lets users opt out of having Alexa conversations reviewed by humans. But Microsoft will continue the practice for the time being despite possible privacy concerns.
Amazon's Alexa will give medical advice from the NHS
The NHS has teamed up with Amazon to bring its health information to Alexa. As part of the NHS' long term plan to make its services available digitally, users will soon be able to ask Alexa questions such as "Alex, how do I treat a migraine?" or "Alexa, what are the symptoms of chicken pox?" Alexa will then provide information drawn directly from the NHS website.
Logitech's G Pro X headset helps you sound like a pro streamer
After teasing it earlier this week, Logitech has now revealed its new gaming headset, designed to help you sound like a professional streamer. The G Pro X marks the debut of Blue VO!CE software, which includes a suite of real-time mic effects that will let you tune your voice based on your individual preferences. Out of the box, you'll be able to select preset filter profiles that match your own voice's unique tone and volume, or you can customize a filter using pro-grade effects such as a compressor, de-esser and de-popper.
Amazon keeps Alexa transcripts unless you manually delete them
Back in May, Amazon introduced a new Alexa feature that makes it easy to delete your voice history -- apparently, that could be pretty handy if you don't want Amazon to keep copies of your Alexa conversations. In a letter sent to Sen. Chris Coons from Delaware and obtained by CNET, the tech giant has revealed that it keeps your voice recordings and transcripts until you manually delete them. Even if you choose to expunge your voice recordings., though, Amazon will still keep records of Alexa interactions containing certain details.
Implant turns brain signals into synthesized speech
People with neurological conditions who lose the ability to speak can still send the brain signals used for speech (such as the lips, jaw and larynx), and UCSF researchers might just use that knowledge to bring voices back. They've crafted a brain machine interface that can turn those brain signals into mostly recognizable speech. Instead of trying to read thoughts, the machine learning technology picks up on individual nerve commands and translates those to a virtual vocal tract that approximates the intended output.
Instagram adds walkie-talkie voice messages
You no longer have to strike up a live conversation if you want voice chats on Instagram -- the social network has launched walkie-talkie style voice messaging feature for direct messages. If you want to speak your mind, you only have to hold down a microphone button to record a message that your recipients (either individuals or groups) can play on their own time. You can deliver a heartfelt message if text seems too impersonal, or dash off a quick reply when you don't have both hands free.
Amazon is letting companies trap Alexa in office equipment
Alexa for Business launched last fall, giving companies the opportunity to use Alexa as a superefficient office assistant. At launch, an Amazon Echo could be paired with existing office equipment, but according to Amazon, many organizations say they'd prefer Alexa to be built directly into existing devices, to reduce the amount of technology that needs to be managed. So that's what Amazon has done.
Google Assistant now helps you book taxis
Google's rolled out a bunch of new features for Assistant this week, and it's not finished yet. Now, you'll be able to use it to easily book ride services. So with your Android, iPhone, Google Home or any smart speaker with the Assistant, you just need to say "Hey Google, book a ride to...." Or "Hey Google, get me a taxi to... ." You'll then be given a list of popular ride services to choose from, including Uber, Lyft, Ola and Grab, along with information on estimated pricing and wait times.
Google lets developers sell in-app purchases through Assistant
Google has taken steps recently to make its voice-controlled Assistant easier to use, and now it's rolling out features to developers to help them integrate the same levels of intuition into their apps. Launching today is support for digital goods and subscriptions, plus Google Sign-In, which will give users a seamless path for voice-controlled purchases. In other words, you'll be able to buy app upgrades, expansion packs or new levels while in conversation with Assistant, without having to transition into touch.
Snapchat's new Lenses respond to your voice not your face
Today, Snapchat announced that it is rolling out a new set of Lenses that will respond to your voice. There's no need to make a facial gesture, like an eyebrow raise or sticking your tongue out, to activate these. Simply say one of the recognized English words, like "Hi," "Love" or "Wow," and the Lenses will animate. These Lenses will begin appearing today in a global rollout.
Alexa can now tell you the phone number of your favorite store
Amazon has been working to make its voice assistant more Alexa more useful to users, and this latest feature will certainly help with that. The company is adding the hours, phone numbers and addresses of over a million businesses to Alexa's database.
'Westworld: The Maze' is a choose-your-own-adventure Alexa game
Consider yourself a Westworld superfan? Now you can prove it. Ahead of the season finale, HBO is launching its first full-scale Alexa voice skill with Westworld: The Maze, an immersive voice experience that challenges fans to demonstrate their knowledge of the sci-fi western through a choose-your-own-adventure game.
Vizio's feature-packed P-series 4K TVs go on sale
Vizio set the hearts of AV lovers aflutter earlier this year when it announced its newest lineup of 4K TVs. The almost overwhelmingly-large range features full-array backlighting, vast color spectrums, Dolby Vision, voice activation and smart home controls, with prices ranging from $350 to $2,600. Some of the models hit the shelves straight away, while would-be buyers were made to wait for others, namely the P-series, which has now finally arrived in stores.
Bank of America's AI assistant is ready to help with your finances
We've been expecting voice-powered virtual assistants in financial apps for a while now — Bank of America started developing its own back in 2016. Dubbed Erica, the virtual assistant is now ready to roll out to the bank's 25 million mobile clients across the US, from now through June of this year.
YouTube TV turns on 'voice remote' feature for some users
YouTube TV and Google Home have worked together to give you voice control over your live TV since last October. Now, the service is starting to roll out and test a voice-powered remote feature in its mobile app. We've seen the feature ourselves, so can confirm that it's happening for some folks, at least.
Panasonic SC-GA10 review: A smart speaker that fails to stand out
Alexa and Google Assistant have been taking over homes for a few years now, so it's probably easier to name the companies that haven't made a smart speaker. The options are seemingly endless. Audio gear that harnesses a virtual assistant comes in all shapes and sizes, with some making big claims about the quality of sound they get out of such small devices. Panasonic is doing just that with its $250 SC-GA10; however, the company's promise of "premium hi-fi sound" failed to make a lasting impression.
Sony LF-S50G smart speaker review: A solid Google Home alternative
The options for Alexa- and Google Assistant–powered speakers have exploded, as evidenced by companies adding voice control to any and every device at the last two CESes. As is typically the case when pretty much everyone hops on a bandwagon, there's some good and a lot of bad. The concept of voice control is still new to a lot of people, so when they do splurge for that first device, it had better work right. Sony's LF-S50G harnesses the smarts of Google Assistant to do just that, but it's far from perfect.
B&O will add Google Assistant to its connected speakers this year (updated)
Earlier today at CES, Google detailed how its Assistant would be available in more cars, headphones, speakers and other devices in 2018. Bang & Olufsen connected speakers are on that list. The Danish audio company already allows voice control through a Google Home speaker, but later this year, the feature will be available directly on some of the company's gear.
Waze adds Liam Neeson as its latest navigator
Liam Neeson seems like the kind of guy you'd want around in a crisis, and while the chances of him appearing when your pipes have burst or someone's fallen down the stairs are slim, you can now rely on him to help you navigate a killer traffic jam. Waze users in the US can enjoy Neeson's confident, dulcet tones until January 14, thanks to a promotion for his upcoming flick The Commuter. Just make the switch through voice directions, under settings, in the app. This isn't the first time Waze has introduced celebrity voices to its services, but having Neeson ride shotgun has got to be less stressful than Arnie.
Cortana may talk users through Windows settings with 'follow me'
Microsoft tipster Walking Cat spotted a new feature that could be coming to Windows. Called 'Follow Me,' it will allow the voice assistant Cortana to verbally walk users through processes, like configuring settings or installing software. While the video in Walking Cat's original tweet isn't available to watch in some regions, another was uploaded to YouTube demonstrating the new feature.