Tags: voice assistant

Amazon's Echo devices work best in dry, cool, and private locations. The company warns against placing the speakers in bathrooms, near heat sources, or close to windows, where moisture, temperature and accidental voice activation can cause damage or security risks. Users can still enjoy the convenience of Alexa by positioning the hardware on shelves, mantles, bedside tables or wall mounts, and by muting microphones when privacy is a concern. Read more

Apple’s latest iOS update brings ChatGPT to CarPlay, letting drivers interact with OpenAI’s chatbot through voice‑only conversations. The integration works with iOS 26.4 or newer and the most recent ChatGPT app, offering mute and end‑call buttons, a list of recent chats, and a tap‑to‑activate interface. While text responses are omitted to meet Apple’s developer guidelines, the new feature expands in‑car AI capabilities without requiring a wake word. Read more

Apple is reportedly testing a standalone Siri app, a refreshed interface and an "Ask Siri" button that would make the voice assistant more visible across its devices. The changes, aimed at turning Siri into a full‑featured AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT, are expected to debut with iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 after a preview at WWDC 2024. Apple has not confirmed the details, but the reported overhaul could mark the company's most significant AI push for Siri since its launch more than a decade ago. Read more

Google and Samsung have introduced a new Gemini feature that lets users automate tasks in apps through simple prompts. Starting with food delivery and rideshare services, the assistant can navigate app interfaces in a virtual window, fill in details, and pause before final confirmation, giving users control over each step. Early testing shows the system can handle requests like ordering a ride to the airport or a coffee and croissant, asking clarifying questions when needed. The rollout marks a significant step forward for AI assistants on mobile devices. Read more

OpenAI is reportedly developing its first consumer hardware product—a smart speaker that integrates a camera and runs the ChatGPT AI. The device is expected to cost between $200 and $300, recognize objects in its environment, and use facial recognition to authorize purchases. A potential launch date in 2026 has been mentioned. The company is also exploring other form factors such as smart glasses, a smart lamp, a behind‑ear wearable, and an AI‑powered pen, with design input from former Apple chief Jony Ive. Past AI‑focused devices have struggled in the market, making OpenAI's entry a closely watched development. Read more

Sentai is a UK‑made AI voice companion designed to help older adults live independently. Housed in a small grey speaker with a simple light‑based control panel, the device relies on voice interaction and an accompanying app set up by a caregiver. It provides reminders for appointments and medication, suggests activities like books, and offers conversational companionship without continuous listening or surveillance. In testing, Sentai responded empathetically to emotional cues, respected privacy, and could alert loved ones in emergencies while avoiding false alarms. The service costs a monthly or annual fee and is currently available only in the United Kingdom. Read more

A Bloomberg report suggests Apple could soon allow third‑party voice‑enabled AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Gemini to appear on the CarPlay dashboard. Siri would remain the default assistant, but users might be able to launch alternative chatbots directly from CarPlay. The change is expected in the coming months, though no exact rollout date has been confirmed. The move follows recent enhancements to Siri with generative AI and a partnership with Google to power future Siri updates, indicating Apple’s willingness to open its platforms to additional AI services. Read more

ChatGPT’s new voice mode offers a conversational experience that feels more human than traditional assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. Users can choose from distinct voice personalities, experience a more thoughtful pacing, and even shift perspectives to unlock creative responses. The feature transforms routine tasks into fluid dialogues, making planning, brainstorming, and everyday inquiries feel natural and engaging. Read more

Apple is preparing to unveil a significantly upgraded version of Siri that will be powered by Google’s Gemini artificial‑intelligence models, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The upgrade could appear as early as the second half of February and would be tied to an upcoming iOS beta. The Gemini‑backed Siri is expected to understand screen content better, use personal context for tasks, and deliver richer conversational responses, marking a major shift in Apple’s AI strategy and its partnership with a traditional rival. Read more

Vibe, the smart whiteboard maker, has launched the Vibe Bot, a desk‑friendly AI device that combines a voice assistant, rotating smart webcam and AI‑driven note‑taking. Shaped like a cylindrical speaker with a circular screen and beam‑forming microphones, it can track speakers during meetings, record audio, provide live transcription and generate post‑meeting summaries. The device also integrates with calendars and project‑management tools, allowing users to ask questions about past meetings and trigger actions. Designed for both office desks and meeting rooms, the Vibe Bot aims to streamline hybrid work by improving video‑call quality and automating meeting documentation. Read more

Google has launched its biggest update yet for the Gemini Live voice‑assistant, making interactions more natural with better handling of tone, nuance, pronunciation and rhythm. The upgrade adds richer storytelling abilities, including varied accents and character voices, and expands educational tools that let users request tutorials, language lessons and adjustable pacing. Safeguards remain in place to limit misuse of accents or impersonation. The enhancements are now available on Android and iOS Gemini apps. Read more

Google is adding its Gemini AI chatbot to Android Auto, making hands‑free voice conversations possible for drivers in dozens of countries. The update will reach millions of vehicles equipped with Android Auto and will work for users who have upgraded Google Assistant to Gemini on their phones. Drivers can ask Gemini for destination recommendations, manage emails, compose texts, create playlists and more, all while staying focused on the road. Google says the rollout follows extensive safety testing and will comply with industry distraction guidelines. Read more

Microsoft promotes Windows Copilot as a conversational AI that can see, speak, and act on a user’s behalf, but early testing reveals a gap between marketing promises and reality. The assistant struggles to correctly identify objects in images, provides inconsistent answers, and cannot perform many of the tasks it advertises, such as controlling system settings or running simulations. While the technology shows potential for accessibility and future integration, its current performance leaves users frustrated and raises questions about Microsoft’s timeline for a fully functional AI‑driven PC experience. Read more

Google has rolled out its biggest update to Gemini Live, the real‑time conversational AI interface, on Android and iOS. The upgrade adds smarter models that better understand intonation, rhythm, and pitch, letting users hear the assistant speak more slowly or quickly, adopt a range of accents, and deliver dramatic storytelling. Gemini Live also offers adaptive tutoring for language learning and other subjects, as well as practice‑conversation tools for interviews and challenging personal talks. The enhancements aim to make interactions feel more natural, expressive, and tailored to individual learning needs. Read more

Google has begun rolling out its new Gemini voice assistant for Google Home smart speakers and displays, positioning it as the default assistant across its ecosystem. While a recent blog post praised the rollout and highlighted a user’s positive experience, the accompanying FAQ revealed recurring problems, including misinterpreted commands and unreliable device control. Access to Gemini requires enrollment in an Early Access program that launched in late October, and the rollout is expected to be gradual, potentially not reaching all users until next spring. Early feedback suggests the generative‑AI‑driven assistant still struggles with basic smart‑home tasks. Read more

Google announced that its Gemini generative AI is being rolled out to the Google TV Streamer, where it will replace Google Assistant. The new system lets users ask natural language questions about movies, TV shows, education, DIY projects and more, using the remote microphone button. The rollout begins this week for users aged 18 and older and will expand to additional streaming devices such as select TCL and Hisense models and the Walmart Onn 4K Pro. The move is part of Google’s broader plan to shift its voice ecosystem from Assistant to Gemini across all platforms. Read more

Apple is reportedly close to finalizing a partnership with Google that would see the iPhone maker pay roughly $1 billion annually for a customized version of Google’s Gemini AI model. The deal would power a major revamp of Siri, using a model with 1.2 trillion parameters—far exceeding Apple’s current 150 billion‑parameter cloud‑based Apple Intelligence. Apple, which traditionally relies on its own technology, evaluated models from Google, OpenAI and Anthropic before choosing Google as a temporary solution until its own AI capabilities catch up. The upgraded Siri is slated for a launch next spring, though timelines could shift. Read more

Google is integrating its Gemini artificial‑intelligence model into Google Maps, bringing a suite of new driver‑focused features. The upgrade adds conversational voice controls that let users ask for recommendations, report traffic incidents and even add calendar events without leaving the app. Directions become more precise by referencing real‑world landmarks, while proactive alerts warn of road disruptions before a trip starts. A Gemini‑enhanced Lens tool lets drivers identify nearby businesses and receive instant information. The changes roll out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks, with Android Auto slated for later release. Read more

Amazon has rolled out Alexa+, its AI‑powered assistant, within the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android. The feature is available to all subscription tiers but requires early‑access enrollment. Alexa+ enables conversational music discovery, letting users ask detailed questions about artists, lyrics, or movie placements, and it can generate personalized playlists on request. Early users report deeper engagement, exploring songs more frequently and listening to more recommendations. The launch positions Amazon Music against competing AI‑enhanced streaming services and showcases the company’s broader AI ambitions. Read more

Apple is reportedly planning a significant AI overhaul for Siri by partnering with Google’s Gemini model. Insider Mark Gurman says Apple will pay Google to create a custom Gemini‑based model that runs on Apple’s private cloud, offering features such as AI‑powered web search and deeper integration with Apple apps. The move follows an internal bake‑off between Anthropic and Google, with Apple choosing Gemini for financial and strategic reasons. If true, the upgrade could bring a more capable voice assistant to iPhone users, aligning Siri with the capabilities seen in Android’s top AI assistants. Read more