‘Alexa, are you OK?’ Amazon’s smart assistant crashes on Christmas
It seems that it all got a bit too much for Alexa on Christmas Day. Amazon's digital assistant temporarily stopped working for a number of users across Europe on December 25, possibly overwhelmed by the sudden uptick in new users playing with their Alexa-powered Echo speaker.
How Alexa and Google Home can lend a hand over the holidays
Smart speakers with voice assistants, such as Alexa and Google Home, can be especially helpful during the holiday with these tips and tricks. From setting timers to shopping for deals to playing your favorite festive music and movies, let your Alexa or Google Home device give you a helping hand in life.
Amazon sends a user someone else’s Alexa recordings by mistake
When you have a voice assistant, you have to know that it's listening at all times. However, the expectation is that it's only listening to you. One Amazon Echo user in Germany was accidentally given more than 1,700 recordings from someone else, sparking concerns about privacy.
Looking to buy an Echo device for Christmas? Many are now out of stock
Amazon Echo devices are some of the hottest gifts of this holiday season. In fact, they're so hot that they're actually becoming hard to find. After Amazon slashed the prices during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the voice assistant speakers have been out of stock ahead of the year's biggest holidays.
Apple Music could be headed to third-party Alexa devices ‘soon’
Fans of both Apple Music and Alexa were treated to a new integration this week that brings the music service to Echo devices. But Apple Music could be making an appearance on all other third-party Alexa smart speakers, as revealed by an Amazon representative. Could this be the beginning of streaming music nirvana?
These are the best Amazon Echo and Google Home deals just in time for Christmas
Smart home and smart speaker inventories at major retailers are dwindling. If you're searching for smart home gifts for delivery before Christmas, don't delay or you may miss out. We found the best deals on Amazon and Walmart for Amazon Alexa and Google Home products still in stock for fast delivery.
4 reasons you should buy the Amazon Echo Input
Do you have an older, great-sounding speaker that you want to add the Alexa voice assistant to? Amazon has got you covered with the Echo Input, a small, puck-like device that connects to non-smart speakers via Bluetooth or auxiliary. Here are four reasons to buy the device.
Rocco wants to rock out. Parrot learns to use owner’s Amazon Alexa
Rocco the African Grey fell in love with his owner's Alexa unit and has ordered himself treats and other goodies, but mostly uses the smart assistant to rock out to his favorite music. Imagine if your pets could order their own treats and snacks. Pet ownership would become much more expensive.
Alexa’s latest skill helps patients manage high blood pressure
Amazon is working with medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies to develop Alexa skills that will enable patients to better manage their own health. The latest is a partnership with Omron Healthcare to connect Alexa's voice-enabled technology to the company's blood pressure monitoring devices.
One crafty ‘Fortnite’ player figured how to make Alexa his in-game guide
How far would you go to create a more immersive gaming experience? Reddit user u/jamielliottg answers that question by combining Fortnite with smart home technology to create better gaming session with a fan, smart light, and a bit of encouragement from Alexa.
Video shows ‘Alexa in space’ aboard the International Space Station
Back in June an A.I. robot called CIMON was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to act as a voice-powered assistant to the astronauts there. Now the European Space Agency has released a video showing CIMON interacting with the ISS crew for the first time, albeit rather awkwardly.
You can soon have Alexa tell your Big Mouth Billy Bass to start singing
The Big Mouth Billy Bass was an odd, cultural phenomenon from 1999 to the early 2000s. Now, an Alexa-enabled version is up for preorder from Amazon for just $40. It will make the perfect Christmas gift for the kitsch lover in your life, and might be just the key to converting older parents to smart homes.
Soon, any wireless headphone maker can put Alexa in your ears
Amazon's popular Alexa voice assistant will be coming to many more Bluetooth headphones as the Internet retailer has opened up its Alexa Mobile Accessory Tool Kit to all headphone developers. This means that changing songs, picking playlists, and other listening tasks will be easier than ever.
Smart speakers used primarily for music and information — and shopping
A survey of Alexa and Google Home users shows most people use their devices for core functions and had issues discovering third-party apps. Despite this, users are generally very satisfied with their devices and would recommend them to others. A significant number of people use their device for shopping.
These Alexa-stuffed retro phones don’t listen until you take them off the hook
Looking for an Amazon Echo with a cool vintage touch? Los Angeles-based Grain Design is taking old, non-working antique phones and transforming them into Alexa smart speakers. Here's what makes them special, and how you can get your hands on one before the holiday season.
Ecobee announces Black Friday deals on smart thermostats and smart switches
Ecobee's 2018 Black Friday deals are live. The smart home device maker announced three deals, all effective immediately. Ecobee's smart thermostats and smart wall switch are compatible with smart home voice assistant systems including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
Amazon has a huge team dedicated to enhancing Alexa and Echo
An Amazon executive on Tuesday, November 13 revealed the huge size of the team tasked with developing the Echo, its smart speaker, and Alexa, the digital assistant that powers it. With the holiday shopping season approaching, Amazon's smart speaker goes up against similar offerings from Google and Apple.
Amazon Echo review
Our Amazon Echo review reveals a shorter, cuter, speaker with several different color and fabric choices, and a firmware upgrade means improved sound. We took the device for another spin in November 2018 to see whether the speaker still measures up to the competition.
Say goodbye to Cortana: An Alexa app is available on all Windows 10 PCs
Some newer Windows 10 laptops recently arrived at the hands of consumers with an Amazon Alexa integration on board, but now anyone is free to enjoy the same experience on a regular Windows PC. Amazon revealed today that its Alexa app is now available as a download on all Windows 10 PCs running the April 2018 Update.
How’s your Spanish, Alexa? Some Amazon Echo devices pick up a new language
Amazon's Alexa voice assistant and Echo devices are now available for customers in Mexico. Alexa has been customized for the Mexican market with local knowledge, a new voice, and support for the Mexican version of Spanish. Third-party developers also launched devices with Alexa built in for Mexican customers.
Alexa, where do I vote? Who’s running? Amazon assistant provides voter help
Midterms are coming, and Alexa is ready. She can tell you where to vote, who's running, and -- on election night -- who's winning. She can even help explain ballot measures, provide post-election analysis, and -- on Echo Show -- visual aids. But don't worry, she won't try to tell you how to vote.
Privacy is becoming obsolete, but not everyone thinks you should fear its demise
Privacy often seems to be at odds with government surveillance and smart assistant technologies like Siri and Cortana. But do we need to sacrifice one for the other? We asked experts in a variety of fields to find out what a future without privacy might look like and whether that's really such a bad thing.
Nvidia’s Shield TV gets Alexa support and Dolby Atmos for Amazon Prime Video
If you’re the owner of Nvidia’s Shield TV streaming media player and have been getting jealous as you see Alexa voice control coming to other devices, you’re in luck, as Nvidia announced that the device can now work with Amazon Echo devices to bring the power of Alexa to your entertainment experience.
August locks now have Alexa, Google Assistant Halloween tricks
This Halloween, there are sure to be a lot of unfamiliar and masked faced showing up at your door. When they arrive, you can be ready for them thanks to some new integrations for Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT in August's line of smart locks. This is no Halloween trick, but it is a treat.
This little girl really, really wants Alexa to play ‘Baby Shark’
Sometimes we just can't get what we want. That was the case for one poor little girl who just couldn't get Alexa to understand her request to play the undeniably catchy but undoubtedly annoying song 'Baby Shark.' She finally gets her wish and the song plays thanks to a little help from her mom.
Amazon’s Fire TV Cube gets even more hands-off with enhanced voice control
Navigation menus with a remote is just plain old fashioned at this point, which is why you can now control almost anything with enhanced Alexa voice controls on the Amazon Fire TV Cube, including third-party apps like Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN, with support for even more apps coming in the future.
Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit Review
Despite its high price, the Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit offers great value, bringing together home security, a network camera, and Alexa-enabled control in a comprehensive, easy-to-use package. We got a chance to test drive the system and came away mostly impressed.
Silo A.I. vacuum storage system tells you when your leftovers are going bad
"Alexa, is the chicken still OK to eat?" Newly launched on Kickstarter, Silo is a neat vacuum storage container that promises to greatly extend the life of your food by up to five times. And for good measure, Alexa integration adds some impressive (and useful) A.I. smarts.
Softly spoken interactions with Alexa now possible with new Whisper Mode
From Thursday, October 18, Alexa's Whisper Mode started to roll out to U.S. owners of Amazon's digital assistant, though for now it only understands whispers in English. To make use of the new mode, you first need to turn it on. This can be done simply by saying, 'Alexa, turn on Whisper Mode.'
Amazon Echo Sub review
Amazon introduced the Echo Sub for Echo speaker owners who wanted to inject some room-moving bass into their smart speaker experience. We took the new Alexa-friendly sub for a spin and quickly learned that it’s a niche product, but one that does its odd job extremely well.
How to create a smart living room for under $250
Are you thinking about bringing your home out of the dark ages with some automation? Getting things started can be intimidating, but a smart home doesn’t have to be filled with crazy gadgets. It’s as simple as swapping out everyday products with devices that fulfill the same role, but are connected.
Cortana, meet Alexa: Buy an Xbox One from Amazon and get a free Echo Dot
If you buy an Xbox One S or Xbox One X bundle through Amazon right now, you'll also receive a free Echo Dot. The device features integration with Xbox One through the Alexa and Cortana assistants. You can even turn on your Xbox One by asking Alexa to do so. The offer is valid only while supplies last.
Patent shows Alexa may soon detect when you’re sick and suggest remedies
Amazon has patented a new feature that would allow Alexa to detect the signs of illness, such as a cough or a sore throat, and suggest solutions to help. The feature would also enable Alexa to offer to buy medicine for the user. These features follow a number of other medical-focused Alexa features.
Anker Roav VIVA Pro review
Vocal assistants have become an integral part of our lives and have now found their way into our cars. The new Roav VIVA Pro car charger connects you to streaming music, getting directions, and even ordering food behind the wheel through the help of Amazon's Alexa.