Amazon's Echo range updates take the smart speaker fight to HomePod
Amazon has used its special event to launch new Alexa-powered devices in the Echo range, including the Echo Studio speaker, a refreshed Echo, and the Echo Dot with Clock.
Alexa
Malcolm Owen
Editorial: After taking the premium tier, HomePod will expand in markets Amazon and Google can't
For years, this new Apple product was derided as too expensive to compete against cheaper alternatives. Yet by targeting the premium high end first, it was able to establish itself and then attract an even broader audience of users at broader price points in the future. No this isn't about iPod, or iPhone, or iPad or Apple Watch. It's a look at HomePod, Apple's home audio device featuring HomeKit and Siri functionality, often confused with merely being a Wi-Fi microphone.
Daniel Eran Dilger
ICYMI: Native Union cables, iDevices Instinct Alexa-powered switch & more
Here are our top picks for new gear from the last seven days you should check out including an Alexa-powered switch, new USB-C to Lightning cables, and a smart water leak detection system.
Andrew O'Hara
Amazon Alexa can now play Apple Music in France, Germany, Italy, Spain
Amazon is continuing its international rollout of the Apple Music on Alexa skill, with it now available in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Mike Wuerthele
Amazon, Google follow Apple's lead on voice assistant review policies
Following Apple's decision to temporarily halt Siri grading as it evaluates the program's privacy safeguards, Amazon and Google this week followed suit and updated their respective policies on human reviews of recorded voice assistant audio.
Mikey Campbell
Apple listens to Siri, Apple's $53.8B quarter & more on the AppleInsider Podcast
This week on the AppleInsider Podcast, Brian Roemmele joins us to talk about Apple listening to some Siri recordings and why they don't need to. William is back to talk Apple Earnings reports and why selling fewer iPhones doesn't spell doom.
Victor Marks
Review: Awair's Glow C sensor makes sense only for problematic air
Announced on Wednesday, the Awair Glow C is an air sensor, smartplug, and nightlight all in one, and works well at diagnosing air quality issues — but there's no HomeKit support, and you'll want an attached fan, dehumidifier, or other accessory to make the most of it.
Roger Fingas
Review: Amazon's Echo Show 5 is a quality bedside companion
Despite some interface issues, Amazon's Echo Show 5 is one of the best smart displays under $100, whether or not you're hooked into the Alexa ecosystem.
Hands on: Amazon's compact Echo Show 5 smart display
Not to be outdone, Amazon recently launched its answer to the Lenovo Smart Clock, the Echo Show 5 — coming in much cheaper than other Alexa-equipped smart displays.
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
