voiceassistant
Latest
Google brings dedicated Assistant buttons to more phones
Google Assistant buttons won't just be limited to a handful of LG phones this year. The internet giant has widened its partnerships to add dedicated buttons to a whole range of handsets in 2019, including returning partner LG (on phones like the G8 ThinQ, V50 ThinQ and K40) and Nokia (3.2 and 4.2). Phones from Xiaomi (Mi Mix 3 5G and Mi 9), Vivo (V15 Pro) and TCL are also in line for Assistant buttons later on. Google expects over 100 million phones to ship with a hardware shortcut to its AI helper, and that's not including Samsung phone owners who remap their Bixby buttons.
Amazon and Google ask for non-stop data from smart home devices
You'd expect voice assistants to collect data whenever you control a smart home device -- that's how they work. Amazon and Google have lately been asking for a continuous flow of data in the name of convenience, however, and those device makers aren't always happy. Bloomberg has learned that Logitech and other hardware makers (some speaking anonymously) have objected to these requests for a steady stream of information over concerns they could violate privacy. Logitech has purposefully provided generic information rather than talking about individual devices, while others have reportedly asked for privacy "concessions" and have been rejected.
'Child's Play' reboot trailer suggests Chucky is now a killer robot
It's not completely impossible that robots could turn against us, so it's no surprise killer robot movies have been popular for decades. The fear is real. We could be about to add another flick to the canon, as the new trailer for the Child's Play reboot suggests. Plot details haven't been confirmed yet, so it's not totally certain this Chucky is a robot, but there's enough to back up rumors it's a defective doll "whose programming code was hacked so that he has no limitations to learning and also violence."
Nest's security hub doubles as a Google Assistant device
You can already use Google Assistant to control a Nest Secure system, but the company is taking things one step further. From now on, the Guard hub at the heart of Secure can serve as a Google Assistant device. You can ask about the weather before you set the alarm without having to be in shouting distance of a dedicated smart speaker, for instance. Common features like Routines, reminders and smart home control will work as well.
Google Assistant notifications were broken on Android
Google Assistant hasn't been quite so... assistive lately. Numerous users reported that Google Assistant notifications have been broken on Android, preventing reminders and other important alerts from getting through. The problem appears to have started with updates to the Google app over the past several days, particularly the most recent (9.0.6). Some had success by uninstalling updates or clearing their app cache, but it didn't appear to have been truly fixed until a server-side update arrived on January 28th.
Alexa can read news briefs in a 'newscaster' voice in the US
Alexa can now modulate its voice beyond whispering in hushed tones. Amazon has introduced a 'newscaster' voice in the US that kicks in when Alexa reads the day's news or recites Wikipedia information. It's not going to replace the news anchor for your favorite media outlet, but the speaking style is more authoritative and doesn't sound quite so out-of-place as Alexa's standard voice.
'The Sims' Alexa Skill is a game companion for superfans
Electronic Arts and Amazon are doing their version of the old "You got your peanut butter in my chocolate!" and "You got your chocolate in my peanut butter!" bit. The companies announced today that a companion skill for dedicated fans of The Sims will be available on Alexa devices. Additionally, an update to The Sims 4 will introduce an in-game Alexa-like voice assistant called Lin-Z.
The New York Times expands its briefing series on Alexa
The New York Times is expanding its slate of audio programming to Alexa, with dedicated daily news briefings, quizzes and arts and travel coverage. On weekdays, the paper will offer a news briefing hosted by The Daily's Michael Barbaro. Once you've activated the skill by saying "Alexa, enable The New York Times Briefing," you can hear a rundown of the day's top stories by requesting your flash briefing or asking "what's in the news?" Alternatively, you can ask the voice assistant to play the latest installment of The Daily.
Razer integrates Alexa with its color-changing PC hardware
Razer is about to make it considerably easier to control your RGB-lit gaming rig. The company has unveiled plans to introduce Amazon Alexa control through its Synapse 3 software, letting you voice control devices that support its Chroma Connected Devices Program through Razer headsets and microphones. That includes legions of Razer's own mice, keyboards and audio devices, but it also includes PC cases, cooling fans, motherboards and other peripherals. Want to turn your setup blood red for a round of Doom? You'd just have to ask Alexa to change your lighting profile.
Livio AI hearing aids are now as smart as most wearables
Among the mountains of sexy technology on the market, it's fair to say that hearing aids don't feature too highly when it comes to innovation and aspirational living. But as Starkey Hearing Technologies demonstrated with its Livio AI device last year, there's a lot to be done in this field -- and now its smart hearing aid has gotten even smarter.
Instant Pot makes Google Assistant your new sous chef
It was only a matter of time, really. Instant Brands has announced that its Instant Pot Smart WiFi pressure cooker now supports Google Assistant, making it possible to start cooking or check on the status without pulling out your phone or peeking at the tiny display. It's the height of culinary luxury, but it could be incredibly helpful if you'd rather not drop what you're doing to start your rice or check on your brisket.
Amazon reports over 100 million Alexa devices sold
Amazon is notoriously reluctant to share how well Alexa is doing in the marketplace -- at best, you get vague boasts about its devices being the "most gifted." Now, however, it's providing more meaningful figures. The company's Dave Limp told The Verge in an interview that over 100 million Alexa-equipped devices have sold to date. It wouldn't say how many of those are its own devices or break products down by category, but the data suggests plenty of people have Alexa-capable devices in their homes.
Food tracking comes to Google Assistant with Lifesum
You no longer have to pull out your phone (or look at your watch) to track your dietary habits. Lifesum has introduced what it says is the first food tracking app for Google Assistant, making it easier to keep tabs on your eating patterns. If you ate a large meal or grabbed a glass of water, you just have to use your voice to add that to your log. You can also update your body weight, tackle challenges (such as hiding sugary food in your kitchen) and ask for updates on your progress.
Tell Google Assistant to 'make a donation' and it will
It's now particularly easy to donate to a worthy cause. Google Assistant has quietly introduced support for donations, whether it's through your phone or a smart speaker like the Home Hub. Ask Google to "make a donation" in the US and it'll let you pick a monetary amount and charity (from a group of recommended organizations). So long as you've enabled payments in Assistant, a contribution could be just moments away.
Alexa will work with Apple Music on third-party devices 'soon'
Now that Apple Music streams on Echo speakers, there's an obvious question: will third-party devices join the party? Thankfully, the answer is yes. An Amazon spokesperson has informed Mashable that Apple's streaming service "will be coming to other Alexa-enabled devices soon." It didn't say how widespread access would become, although it wouldn't be surprising if the company opens the floodgates instead of cherry-picking non-Echo hardware.
Chrome OS beta brings Google Assistant to more devices
To date, native access to Google Assistant on a Chrome OS device has meant splurging on Google-made hardware like the Pixelbook or Pixel Slate. You won't have to be quite so picky for much longer, though. Google has started testing Chrome OS 72 in beta form, and the new release brings Assistant to third-party Chromebooks for the first time. It works in the same way as you'd expect on the Slate, with support for both voice and written commands through a pop-up at the bottom.
Windows 10 may offer deeper support for AI helpers like Alexa
While you can use voice assistants like Alexa on Windows 10, they still play second fiddle to Cortana. You can't just talk to your computer -- you have to either click a button or use a keyboard shortcut. Thankfully, Microsoft might be a little more egalitarian in the future. Albacore, WalkingCat and others have discovered that Windows 10 test releases may offer deeper support for third-party voice assistants. You could activate apps with a hotword (including when your PC is locked), and possibly "replace" Cortana on a system level. In one test, Microsoft also separated the search text box and the "talk to Cortana" feature on the taskbar.
Alexa can control your home security system
It's now decidedly easier to control your home security system if you have an Echo speaker or another Alexa-powered gadget. Amazon has enabled a Security Panel Controller framework that lets you control security systems with your voice. You can arm or disarm them, specify certain modes (home, away and night) and simply check in. And yes, Amazon is well aware of the security implications. You have to manually enable disarming by voice, and you can specify an Alexa-specific voice code instead of shouting your PIN code to everyone within earshot.
Spotify's revamped Xbox One app includes smarter voice control
Spotify just became much more useful if it regularly provides the background music for your Xbox One sessions. After weeks of testing, it's releasing a refreshed version of its Xbox One app that promises both easier discovery of music and, importantly, more control when you find it. The new "razor sharp design" (similar to the one from newer PS4 and Roku apps) gives you easier access to the Made for You hub, your library and your recently played songs, while the Xbox One Guide now has shuffle and repeat controls for longer gaming marathons. And if you like to shout at Cortana instead of tapping buttons, you're in for a treat.
Amazon Fire HD tablets now receive Alexa drop-in calls
You can already start calls to Alexa devices from Amazon's tablets, but it's now possible to receive those calls, too. As of December 5th, people with recent Fire HD 8 (2017 and 2018) and Fire HD 10 models can take Drop-In calls and intercom-style Announcements when they're in Show Mode. This will mainly be useful if you have a Show Mode charging dock, which invokes the mode automatically. If you're in that position, though, it could be very helpful -- you could tell your kids it's time for dinner without buying another Echo or (gasp) walking across the house.
