Tag: Amazon Alexa

New starters and actions for automations now available in Home app

Demon Seed: Google Home automations get more trigger options to rival Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit

Google has announced new triggers and actions for its smart home automation platform. In the blog post yesterday Google says it has added 9 new "starters" and nine new "actions." That means users can activate automations when a door is opened or closed, or a device starts charging, or someone...
Amazon Echo Pop

Amazon updates Echo smart speaker lineup, introduces cute Echo Pop

According to Amazon engagement with its voice assistant Alexa increased more than 35% in 2022. So it's no wonder the Seattle tech giant is focusing on its Alexa-enabled smart home devices. Today, Amazon announced four new Echo devices including a new Echo Pop, updated Echo Show 5, Echo Show 5...

Trendspotting: Smart speaker growth expected to slow

Amazon still leads by a wide margin.
Introducing Echo Show 5 – Compact smart display with Alexa

Smart Home News: Amazon Echo Show 5 smart speaker takes on Google Nest Hub

Say hello to Amazon's new, compact smart display, the Echo Show 5. Given the success of smart home devices -- and especially smart speakers -- it's not much of a surprise that today we get yet another choice, yet another AI-enabled device. This time from the current leader in the...
Google Home Hub smart speaker with display: Continued Conversations icon

Continued Conversation: Fewer Okay Googles needed for Google Home Hub

Continued Conversation for Google Home smart speakers is here. Basically the new feature enables you to continue issuing voice commands without having to continually say "Okay Google" or "Hey Google" each time. For instance, you might ask Google about today's weather. As the speaker is giving you forecast information, a small...
Alexa app compared to Sonos for whole home audio

Replacing Sonos with Amazon Echo & Alexa – is it a good idea?

As a long-time fan of Sonos products such as the Sonos One and Play:5 speakers I've been watching Amazon Echo products with interest. I wonder, could they replace a Sonos setup for whole home audio? The advantage of going with Echo, of course, is that you get all the additional...
How to (not) disable the Amazon Echo Alexa Try card

Amazon Echo: The one thing that drives me (and others) absolutely bonkers

Try "Alexa, ..." For all the amazing capability voice assistants bring to our homes, there's often a gotcha here or there, after all this is new technology with the Echo Dot kicking off the smart speaker revolution merely three years ago in 2015. Speaking of Echo, the one thing that drives...
Alexa app compared to Sonos for whole home audio

Trendspotting: Echo Dot smart speaker leads way for Amazon on Cyber Monday

We love the Echo Dot. In fact we really, really love the tiny smart speaker. If there was any doubt about our obsession with all things Alexa, that was cast aside in a major way yesterday. Amazon says this year's Cyber Monday was the company's biggest shopping day ever. Ever....
Sonos Amp is an updated Connect:Amp with more power and connections

New Sonos Amp delivers more power, supports AirPlay 2 and TV connectivity

Sonos Amp is an updated Connect:Amp with more power and connections, plus a new and modern minimalist look for $599.
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit

Smart Home News: Wemo Mini smart plug now works with Apple HomeKit

Wemo today announced that its Mini Wifi Smart Plug now supports Apple HomeKit. That means you can now use your iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and even the HomePod speaker to control devices connected to the Wemo Mini plug. You can also use Siri to give voice commands -- "Siri, turn...