Amazon Alexa: News
Alexa is Amazon's cloud-based voice service available on several devices made by Amazon and third-party device manufacturers. The e-commerce giant claims that "with Alexa, you can build natural voice experiences that offer a customer more intuitive ways to interact with the technology they use every day." Alexa broadly comes under the classification of an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant. Similar solutions include Google Assistant and Apple's Siri. Alexa was first introduced in 2013 and featured for the first time on the Amazon Echo smart speaker. Today, Alexa is available on the Amazon Echo platform, Fire OS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. Alexa's capabilities include voice interactions, music playback, podcast streaming, playing audiobooks, providing weather traffic sports, and other real-time information including news, and making to-do lists. The voice assistant can be activated for listening to commands using the "Alexa" hotword. This hotword can be changed for every Alexa device you have. Additionally, Amazon offers a variety of voices including male, female, and celebrity voices on a regular basis. You can choose any of these voices for the Alexa service. Alexa's capabilities can be expanded by installing "skills" developed by third-party vendors for compatibility with their offerings.
How to teach Alexa new skills using Amazon app
Teaching Alexa new skills with the Amazon app on Android is a pretty easy affair and it expands the capabilities of your smart assistant.
Amazon's new AI voice model can talk like a human
Amazon has unveiled its latest generative AI model, Nova Sonic. The innovative tool is capable of taking voice inputs and generating natural-sounding speech.
How to activate Alexa's whisper mode? Try these steps
Whisper Mode on Alexa-enabled Amazon devices enables users to simply whisper to their devices, and Alexa will respond in kind with a softer tone.
Shocking! Amazon's Alexa says the US will disappear by 2031
A recent video on TikTok has piqued the interest of many, as it shows Amazon Alexa predicting the end of the US on February 20, 2031.
Amazon CEO reveals new Alexa will work as AI agent
Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy has hinted at the development of an advanced version of the company's virtual assistant, Alexa.
Is Amazon Alexa supporting Democrats? Trump campaign claims so
An alleged error in Amazon's Alexa devices has put focus on Big Tech's interference in elections.
Amazon to revamp Alexa with Anthropic's Claude AI chatbot
Amazon is set to launch an enhanced version of its voice assistant, Alexa, later this year.
Will Alexa's paid tier make up for Amazon's $25B loss?
Amazon's business unit, responsible for Alexa-powered devices like Echo speakers, Kindle readers, and Fire TV sets, reported a loss of $25 billion between 2017 and 2021.
Alexa to end support for third-party shopping list apps
Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa, will discontinue supporting third-party list apps like Todoist and AnyList, starting July 1, 2024, as announced on Amazon's developer site.
Amazfit BIP 5 Unity smartwatch launched in India at ₹7,000
Amazfit has expanded its smartwatch portfolio in India with the launch of the BIP 5 Unity. This new model follows last year's release of the BIP 5.
Amazon ends bonus payments for Alexa developers
Amazon has announced the discontinuation of its paid incentives for Alexa developers, marking the end of the Alexa Developer Rewards Program.
Now, you can ask Alexa to clean your lazy butt
Kohler, a top-tier plumbing and sanitaryware brand, has unveiled an innovative voice-activated bidet seat, the PureWash E930, which is compatible with standard toilets.
Amazon's new smart glasses offer improved performance but no AR
Amazon has unveiled the third generation of its Echo Frames, sporting a lighter design and enhanced audio quality. It costs $270 (around Rs. 22,500).
Why Amazon is eliminating hundreds of positions within Alexa division
Amazon is cutting hundreds of jobs in the Alexa voice assistant division, as revealed by an email from Daniel Rausch, the vice president of Alexa and Fire TV, reported Reuters.
Nuki launches world's first Matter-over-Thread smart lock: Check features
Austrian smart lock manufacturer Nuki has unveiled the Nuki Smart Lock 4.0, the "world's first smart lock to fully integrate Matter."
Tata's latest cars come with Alexa voice support: Check features
Tata Motors is teaming up with Amazon to bring Alexa to its latest vehicles. This includes the Nexon, Nexon.ev, Harrier, and Safari SUVs.
Amazon's 2023 Devices and Services Event: Here are key announcements
US tech giant Amazon held its annual 'Devices and Services' event at its recently opened office in Arlington, Virginia today.
Amazon will pay $30mn to settle Alexa, Ring privacy violations
Amazon was at the receiving end of two lawsuits by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over privacy violations. However, the regulator has decided not to proceed further against the tech giant.
How Amazon plans to revamp Alexa with AI chatbot technology
Voice assistants were once considered futuristic. However, in a world of ChatGPT and Bard, they have become redundant.
How will voice assistants fare against AI chatbots in future
Generative AI is the talk of the town. AI chatbots that can answer questions and complete tasks with alacrity have caught the imagination of everyone.
Amazfit Band 7 goes on sale: Should you buy?
Amazfit's latest smart band in India, the Amazfit Band 7, is now up for grabs via the brand's official website for Rs. 2,999. It also goes on sale through Amazon later today.
Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones launched at Rs. 27,000: Check features
Sony has introduced the WH-1000XM5 as its latest wireless noise-canceling headphones in India.
Gizmore GIZFIT 910 Ultra smartwatch debuts with 15-day battery life
Homegrown Gizmore has launched a new budget-range smartwatch in India dubbed the "GIZFIT 910 Ultra."
PTron Tangent Duo neckband, with 24-hour playback, launched in India
PTron has introduced the new Tangent Duo wireless Bluetooth neckband in India. The earphones are up for grabs via Amazon.
#DealOfTheDay: Echo Buds (2nd Gen) available at Rs. 6,500 discount
Amazon has made its Echo devices available for purchase with steep discounts, ahead of its upcoming Prime Day sale.
Amazon Prime Day sale: Deals on Fire TV, Echo devices
The two-day Amazon Prime Day sale is all set to go live from July 23. The e-commerce giant has revealed some of the offers, including amazing deals on Fire TV as well as Echo devices.
#DealOfTheDay: This robotic vacuum cleaner is cheaper by Rs. 45,000
Amazon's best-seller ECOVACS DEEBOT U2 PRO robotic vacuum cleaner is currently available for purchase with a massive discount. In fact, with this deal, you can get one for under Rs. 20,000.
Fossil Gen 6 Venture Edition smartwatch goes official in India
Fossil has introduced a new Gen 6 series smartwatch in India, called the Gen 6 Venture Edition.
Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid smartwatch debuts with Amazon Alexa support
Fossil has unveiled its Gen 6 Hybrid smartwatch. In the US, it carries a starting price tag of $229 (around Rs. 17,900) and will go on sale tomorrow i.e. June 27 via the company's official website and other retail outlets.
2022 Hyundai VENUE SUV: Top features and highlights explained
Hyundai's 2022 VENUE is up for grabs in India at an introductory price of Rs. 7.53 lakh (ex-showroom). The company has already received over 15,000 bookings for the facelifted model.
Mahindra Scorpio-N's interiors revealed: Sony audio, built-in Alexa, leather seats
Mahindra is gearing up to launch the new-generation Scorpio-N in India on June 27.
Samsung Smart Monitor M8, with 4K display, launched: Check price
Samsung has launched the Smart Monitor M8 in India. The device features a 32-inch 4K display, a detachable wireless SlimFit Camera, and two built-in 5W speakers.
TikTok star discovers the shocking things Alexa records about you
A TikTok star who goes by "my.data.not.yours" shared a video documenting her surprise when she discovered how much data Amazon has collected about her from smart speakers and smart bulbs.
Amazon takes another step to improve Alexa's accessibility
Your human companions may zone out during conversations but that shouldn't be the case with programmatically controlled voice assistants, right?
Here's everything Amazon unveiled at its event
Last night, e-commerce major Amazon wrapped up its fall product launch event in style. The company announced new gadgets including a home robot named Astro, the company's first smart thermostat to rival Google Nest, and the wall-mountable Echo Show 15 smart speaker.
Have Alexa? Ask Amitabh Bachchan to tell you a joke!
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan's voice is something any Indian can recognize.
Amazon quietly introduces Alexa's male voice, gender-neutral wake word 'Ziggy'
AI (Artificial Intelligence) powered voice assistants have long drawn users' ire for using a female voice by default.
Indian Alexa-enabled devices get free access to Audible's 'Sleep' selection
Amazon-owned online audiobook and podcast platform, Audible, is beginning to make its presence felt in the Indian subcontinent. The company has now introduced five audio series focused on sleep and relaxation to help people sleep better amid the pandemic.
Amazon will soon share your internet with neighbors (US only)
If you use Alexa or Echo devices, Amazon's newest experiment gives you a week to opt-out before the e-commerce giant hands a slice of your network bandwidth to your neighborhood.
How Blogchatter is helping bloggers blog better
A Google search of 'blogging in India' will show various hacks of becoming a blogger.
Now, Amazon Fire TV offers 'Live TV' with Alexa integration
In a bid to upgrade the streaming experience of its customers, Amazon has launched a new 'Live TV' feature for Fire TV devices in India.
This smart speaker by Amazon can follow you around
At its mega hardware event last night, Amazon made a flurry of tempting announcements.
NewsBytes Briefing: Amazon announces ball-shaped Echo products, and more
Last night, Amazon made major headlines by showcasing plenty of products.
Soon, you will hear Amitabh Bachchan speak on Alexa devices
In a bid to grow its footprint in the Indian market, Amazon is bringing a way to hear Amitabh Bachchan speak on Alexa-powered Echo devices.
Honda opens bookings for its 2020 City in India
Honda has started accepting bookings for both the diesel and petrol variants of the upcoming 2020 City.
Ahead of launch, 2020 Honda City's key specifications revealed
Honda has revealed the key features and specifications of its all-new fifth-generation City that is likely to be launched in India next month.
Courtesy coronavirus, hotel industry stares at oblivion; recovery unlikely soon
In the months to come, nations are bound to ease restrictions. Some, like India, have already started. But it will be long before the hotel industry bounces back to the pre-coronavirus days.
India-bound 2021 Audi A3 breaks cover: Details here
German automaker Audi has pulled the covers off the 2021 edition of its premium sedan, the A3. The next-generation model comes with a revamped and sportier design, updated interiors, and new mild-hybrid engines.