Alexa voice commands can respond to general queries or tasks, and can also accommodate variations of those commands. To get Alexa’s attention, you need to use the wake word, which is “Alexa” by default. You can change the wake word to one of several others in Alexa’s settings. Here is […]

Amazon tracks trends in how users interact with its Alexa-powered smart speakers, and it noticed a change in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of asking Alexa, “What time is it?” people started asking, “What day is it?” Amazon also noticed other changes in user behaviour, like an […]

Apple unveiled a cheaper HomePod mini during its iPhone event Tuesday as expected. The spherical speaker will be priced at $149 in Australia and comes in space grey and white. The new smart speaker comes after Apple has fielded criticism for not releasing a HomePod at a more affordable price. […]

Amazon just unveiled the biggest redesign to its Echo devices since 2014. The new Echo and Echo Dot, Amazon’s popular Alexa-enabled smart speakers, will now come in a spherical shape rather than the tall, cylindrical design of previous Echos. The new Echo devices will start shipping later this year and […]

To add SiriusXM to Google Home devices, you need to link your internet radio subscription to your Google Home app. The Google Home app is compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices. Visit Business Insider’s Tech Reference library for more stories. SiriusXM, one of the first internet radio services, was […]

To make a playlist with Alexa on your Amazon Echo device, you have the option to ask Alexa or create one using the Amazon Music app. To ask Alexa for help when making a playlist, you’ll have to use a series of voice commands such as “Hey Alexa, create a […]

You can pair an Alexa-compatible remote with your Amazon Echo by using the Alexa app. The Alexa app is available for both Apple and Android devices, and lets you pair all sorts of devices with your Alexa systems. Pairing an Alexa remote allows you to control your Amazon Echo if […]

You can make Alexa louder or softer using voice controls, the physical buttons or your Echo speaker, or the Alexa app. Alexa’s volume goes from zero (mute) to 10 (loudest) when you use your voice, but you have much finer control when using the Alexa app or the controls on […]

Apple is launching a new HomePod this year at a lower price that will be compatible with non-Apple music services, according to Bloomberg. Lowering the HomePod’s price and expanding its compatibility with other music services would address two of the device’s biggest criticisms. It could also help Apple better compete […]

Sonos announced earlier this week that older Sonos speakers would no longer receive new updates after May 20, and older devices in a Sonos system would also prevent newer models from receiving updates, too. After facing backlash from customers, Sonos’s CEO announced on Thursday that it’s working to continue support […]

Sonos is suing Google in federal court, alleging that the tech giant stole its technology, according to The New York Times. Sonos alleges that Google infringed on five of its patents, including tech that lets smart speakers pair and sync. “Despite our repeated and extensive efforts over the last few […]

Some analysts believe acquiring speaker maker Sonos would be a wise move for Apple since it could help the smartphone giant catch up to rivals like Amazon and Google. Apple’s Siri-enabled HomePod speaker has lagged behind alternatives, particularly Amazon’s Echo speaker, which dominates the market. But Sonos’ premium brand and […]

Amazon’sEchoStudio offers high quality audio at a price that’s less expensive than rivals like the GoogleHome Max and AppleHomePod. Among its most unique features is support for 3D audio, although the selection of songs that support the standard still seems a bit thin. The launch of the Echo Studio is […]

Amazon’s new Echo Dot with Clock was announced during the company’s event on Wednesday. The Echo Dot with Clock is essentially the regular Echo Dot with all of the usual smart abilities and Amazon’s Alexa smart voice assistant, except the new model has the built-in display to show you the […]

Bose announced on Thursday a new portable Bluetooth smart speaker called the Portable Home Speaker. It has a battery life of up to 12 hours, and can connect to WiFi to play music from Spotify or Apple with AirPlay 2 from a mobile device. The Portable Home Speaker has regular […]

Google is developing a “Nest Mini” device that’s basically an updated and renamed version of the current Google Home Mini smart speaker with Google Assistant, according to 9to5Google. The Nest Mini will have improved sound quality and will be mountable to a wall. It will also have a headphone jack. […]

Google Home is a smart speaker with Google Assistant built in. It’s similar to Amazon Echo and its Alexa personal assistant. Google Home works with iPhone and Android. You can set up, customise, and control your Google Home speaker using an iPhone or Android device. There are three models in […]