Tags: Voice Assistant

Google has launched its Gemini artificial‑intelligence assistant on the new TCL QM9K series televisions, making them the first TV models to feature the advanced conversational AI. The company says Gemini will soon appear on additional hardware, including the Google TV Streamer, Walmart's onn 4K Pro streaming device, select Hisense models and more TCL TVs. Gemini lets users speak naturally to search for content, get show summaries, reviews, and even educational explanations, all via a simple “Hey, Google” command or a remote‑mic button. The rollout follows a preview at CES where Google showcased Gemini’s ability to handle follow‑up questions and suggest relevant videos. Read more

Ecovacs introduced its flagship robot vacuum, the Deebot X11 OmniCyclone, featuring a new agentic AI voice assistant called Agent Yiko. The system learns users' habits, offers proactive cleaning recommendations, and provides real‑time troubleshooting guidance. Highlights include automatic setup, AI‑driven setting suggestions based on floor type and mess level, and a top‑up charging feature. Ecovacs notes that 80% of users repeat the same voice commands daily and often under‑utilize voice controls. The Deebot X11 OmniCyclone launched in the U.S. and Canada with a list price of $1,499.99. Read more

Rabbit Inc. announced a major software overhaul for its R1 AI device, introducing RabbitOS 2, a touch‑centric operating system that reshapes the user interface and adds new capabilities. Founder and CEO Jesse Lyu acknowledged previous shortcomings and highlighted the shift from a voice‑only experience to a hybrid touch and voice model, including on‑screen conversation flow, mute buttons, and a tile‑based app launcher. The update also brings the Creations feature, allowing users to generate custom code and share creations. The move aims to address criticism about the device’s utility in a smartphone‑dominated market in which dedicated AI gadgets have struggled to find a clear niche. Read more

Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant now supports a sprawling set of commands that let users control smart home devices, manage media, handle daily tasks, and interact with a wide range of Amazon services. The expanded command library works across Echo speakers, Echo Show displays, Fire TV devices, and even in‑car Echo Auto, giving users more natural conversational ways to adjust lighting, set reminders, shop, order rides, and access entertainment. By integrating with third‑party skills and popular platforms such as SmartThings, Philips Hue, and Ring, Alexa continues to deepen its role as a central hub for connected living. Read more

Lepro has launched its AI Lighting Pro series, embedding microphones and a proprietary voice assistant called LightGPM directly into its smart lights. The lineup includes a light strip, rope light, product descriptions mention RGB, a warm‑white mode, and Wi‑Fi connectivity that works with Alexa and Google Assistant. By eliminating the need for a separate controller, the lights can respond to commands such as turning on, changing colors, and generating mood‑based lighting patterns. The move adds another always‑listening device to homes, raising questions about privacy and convenience. Read more

Google announced that it will reveal additional information about its Gemini for Home platform on October 1, including new Nest hardware. The teaser suggests a fresh Nest camera and possibly a speaker, while confirming that Gemini will replace Google Assistant with natural‑language capabilities and both free and subscription tiers. Nest Aware subscribers who pay $10 per month are slated to receive early access to Gemini within Google Home. Read more

Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant is rolling out on select Samsung TVs and monitors, offering voice‑driven searches, episode recaps, and personalized movie suggestions. The feature appears as an animated on‑screen presence that can also answer weather and weekend‑plan questions. While the tool aims to simplify navigating the crowded streaming landscape, critics argue that adding a conversational partner to a television feels intrusive and may not improve the viewing experience. The rollout revives memories of earlier Microsoft assistants and raises questions about how much AI interaction users truly want on their screens. Read more