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.

Malcolm Owen 6 years ago 31

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 6 years ago 98

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 6 years ago 1

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 6 years ago 24

Podcast

Apple listens to Siri, Apple's $53.8B quarter & more on the AppleInsider Podcast

Victor Marks 6 years ago 0

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 6 years ago 0

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.

Roger Fingas 6 years ago 16

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.

Roger Fingas 6 years ago 6

Amazon sued because Alexa may be violating child privacy protection laws

Two class action suits were filed against Amazon on Tuesday, alleging that Alexa-enabled devices illegally record the conversations of children without parental consent, which would constitute a violation of the assorted state laws prohibiting recordings made of a minor without consent.

Amber Neely 6 years ago 16

Belkin ships three-way, HomeKit-ready Wemo Smart Light Switch

Belkin on Monday shipped the new Wemo Smart Light Switch, compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

Roger Fingas 7 years ago 8

Fifth-gen ecobee thermostat with HomeKit promises better Wi-Fi, added Alexa & Spotify features

ecobee's fifth-generation thermostat, compatible with Apple HomeKit, should be mostly an evolutionary device but include important upgrades in wireless, Spotify, and Amazon Alexa connectivity, according to a product leak.

Roger Fingas 7 years ago 20

How to delete all the audio recordings that Amazon Echo's Alexa has been making of you

Every time you call out 'Alexa' — or your Echo thinks you have — you get recorded and those audio snippets are kept. Here's how to delete them and why Amazon says you shouldn't.

William Gallagher 7 years ago 11

Apple's Siri ties with Google Assistant for most-used voice assistant

A Microsoft study suggests that Apple's Siri is on par with Google Assistant for worldwide usage, despite the latter being available on a wider range of devices.

Roger Fingas 7 years ago 29

How to decide if investing in a big Homekit setup is right for you

Apple's HomeKit is growing, and there is now a range of smart devices for every function. Yet there are both potential savings and hidden costs that will make or break your decision on whether to invest. Plus, HomeKit is still more complicated than it should be.

William Gallagher 7 years ago 35

Alexa voice recognition audit teams had access to customers' location data

More allegations about how owners of the Amazon Echo smart speaker range are having their privacy infringed by the retailer have surfaced, with the latest claim involving an internal team of Alexa auditors having access to customer data that can reveal their home address.

Malcolm Owen 7 years ago 12

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