Alexa

Everyone is a loser in the Apple Intelligence race

Apple Intelligence is seemingly being lapped in the AI race, but it's hard to determine who's really winning when the competitors change the victory condition every few laps.

Mike Wuerthele and Wes Hilliard | 3 weeks ago

Amazon launches Alexa+ as Siri advancements drag on

The AI assistant wars are heating up as Amazon announces Alexa+, an upgraded assistant powered by generative AI, while an upgraded Siri remains unfinished.

Andrew Orr | 1 month ago

Amazon's new Echo devices bring generative AI and new smart home features

Amazon's Alexa assistant gets upgraded smarts in new Echo devices that include smart glasses called Echo Frames, an upgraded Echo Show 8 with a display, and new Fire TV devices for audio and visuals.

Andrew Orr | 1 year ago

Eve announces upgraded Flare light with Thread alongside European Shutter Switch

Eve Systems has announced the long-awaited second-generation Flare portable smart light, alongside the new EU-only smart shutter switch for Apple Home.

Andrew O'Hara | 1 year ago

Amazon Alexa bled $10 billion in cash in 2022

With Amazon Alexa reportedly responsible for $10 billion in expenses in 2022, teams working on the smart speaker are expected to see mass layoffs as a major cost-saving measure.

Malcolm Owen | 2 years ago

With iRobot acquisition, Amazon wants to scan every inch of your home

Amazon wants to be everywhere inside your home, and for those concerned about their data and privacy, that's a dangerous prospect.

Mike Peterson | 2 years ago

Sonos releasing its own privacy-focused voice assistant in June

Sonos is reportedly preparing to unveil its own voice assistant that will let users play and control music on the company's speakers and audio platforms.

Mike Peterson | 2 years ago

Alexa tells 10-year-old girl to touch live electrical socket with penny

A child requesting a challenge from an Amazon Alexa device was told to "plug in a phone charger about halfway, then touch a penny to the exposed prongs."

Wesley Hilliard | 3 years ago

Apple's HomePod, HomePod mini 'largely absent' in smart speaker market

New research claims that Apple's HomePod and HomePod mini come a distant third to Amazon and Google smart speakers, both of which have far more homes with multiple devices.

William Gallagher | 3 years ago

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Zuma launches combined AirPlay 2 smart speaker and ceiling light

Initially offered in the UK, the Zuma Lumisonic is a ceiling light fixture that incorporates a smart speaker with AirPlay 2.

William Gallagher | 3 years ago

TP-Link embraces Wi-Fi 6E and Alexa in its CES 2021 routers

TP-Link's CES 2021 offerings are headed up by the Deco X20, a mesh Wi-Fi 6 system with a built-in smart speaker, as well as a number of routers that offer Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.

Malcolm Owen | 4 years ago

Apple Podcasts on Amazon Echo, Fire TV now available in Germany

Apple's Podcasts library is now available on Amazon Echo devices in Germany, after launching in the United States in December 2019.

Mike Wuerthele | 4 years ago

Alexa Guard Plus expands home audio surveillance for $4.99 per month

Alexa Guard Plus is a security and safety system built around enhancing the listening powers of Alexa products to flag more abnormal noises for $4.99 per month.

Wesley Hilliard | 4 years ago

Alexa hack granted attackers access to an Echo user's smart home network

A number of vulnerabilities have been revealed in Amazon's Alexa, highlighting the need for providers of smart home platforms, such as Apple's HomeKit, to maintain security as part of the service.

Malcolm Owen | 4 years ago

Amazon reveals redesigned Alexa app with focus on personalization

Amazon on Monday unveiled a revamp of its Alexa app, complete with a redesigned user interface and additional instructions on how best to utilize the virtual assistant.

AppleInsider Staff | 4 years ago

Amazon's Alexa will soon be able to control some iPhone and iPad apps

The Alexa app on iPhone will soon be able to control some of your installed apps using the new Alexa for Apps developer platform.

Wesley Hilliard | 4 years ago

How to play Apple Music on your Echo Dot

Learn how to set up your Amazon Echo Dot to play Apple Music with our helpful guide.

Amber Neely | 4 years ago

Amazon's Alexa can now play Apple Podcasts on Echo devices

The whole of Apple's Podcasts library is now available on Amazon Echo devices and can be played by asking Alexa for particular shows or episodes.

William Gallagher | 5 years ago

Review: Polk Command Bar is basically the Amazon Echo soundbar

Polk's Command Bar is the embodiment of Amazon Alexa in front of your TV. With useful features such as a compartment for a Fire TV stick paired with good sound, the Command Bar is a solid option for Alexa users.

Andrew O'Hara | 5 years ago

Editorial: Apple isn't revamping its HomeKit team, but maybe it should

Bloomberg believes that Apple is hiring people to overhaul how the company's HomeKit devices work with third-party products. The report is based on disprovable information, yet it is true that Apple both should and could do much more with the technology.