All articles tagged with #amazon alexa
This week's top tech stories include Sonos launching its first headphones, Samsung's upcoming Unpacked event leaks, Google quickly patching issues in the Android 15 Beta 2 update, iFixit ending its partnership with Samsung, and Amazon planning to enhance Alexa with generative AI features that may come with a subscription fee.
Stocks fell Wednesday due to inflation concerns but showed signs of recovery Thursday morning. Nvidia's strong earnings and stock split boosted market sentiment. The Federal Reserve remains cautious on inflation, keeping interest rates unchanged. Amazon plans to enhance Alexa with generative AI and introduce a subscription fee. General Motors launched an all-electric Chevrolet Equinox amid slower-than-expected EV demand.
The new Blink Mini 2 is an inexpensive wired security camera that can be used indoors or outdoors, offering features such as person detection, on-device computer vision, and USB-C power. With improved image quality, wider field of view, and weather resistance, it provides clear video during the day and fair infrared night vision. The camera's motion sensitivity is good, and it works with the Blink app, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. While it lacks rich notifications and has limited smart home integrations, the Blink Mini 2 is a versatile and affordable option for those looking for a simple security camera under $50.
The JBL Authentics 300 smart speaker, which supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, is currently on sale at an all-time low price of $278 on Amazon. The retro-style speaker delivers powerful sound and offers various connectivity options, but it is heavy at 11 pounds. Additionally, Nintendo Switch consoles come with a $25 gift card at select retailers, and there are discounts on Jabra Elite 10 earbuds, Star Wars R2-D2 Tamagotchi, HyperX Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and Apple's MagSafe Charger.
JBL's Authentics 300 smart speaker is the first to support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa simultaneously, making it suitable for split smart homes. Priced at $449.99, it offers connectivity options, EQ adjustments, and a '70s-style vibe, but lacks protection against the elements. The speaker's software is easy to use, and it excels in acoustic-driven music and jazz playback, but its tuning can be inconsistent. Despite its high price, the speaker provides functionality and multiple music playback methods, making it a capable option for those with split smart home setups.
Samsung TV will remove Google Assistant from existing televisions due to a Google policy change, prompting the company to suggest SmartThings, Bixby, or Amazon Alexa as alternatives. While Samsung cited a Google policy change, Google Assistant still works with other brands like LG, which recently strengthened its partnership with Google. The removal will affect all 2020 and 2021 smart TV models, and Samsung did not provide further details on the policy changes. Meanwhile, Google is launching new changes in March, including integrating the Assistant with Bard, its large language model chatbot, to rival ChatGPT.
Amazon is cutting off IFTTT integration with Alexa starting October 31st, meaning users won't be able to trigger IFTTT applets through Alexa. Some automations will be archived unless action is taken, and users will need to switch to alternative options like button widgets, Apple Shortcuts, or the IFTTT note widget. While IFTTT still offers versatility, built-in solutions like Apple Shortcuts are more integrated, reliable, and faster, making them a preferred choice for many users.
Shark's AV2501S self-emptying robot vacuum with a 30-day capacity base is currently 45% off at Amazon, priced at $300. The vacuum uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to map your home and clean it effectively while avoiding obstacles. It can clean for two hours before returning to its dock to recharge and can automatically empty the dirt it collected into its base, which only needs to be emptied once a month. The vacuum supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and can be controlled via Shark's mobile app.
T-Mobile customers with an Amazon Alexa device can now make calls using this device by pairing their number with their Alexa devices. The feature is currently available to T-Mobile postpaid plan users only. Customers need to have a T-Mobile online account, an Amazon/Alexa account, as well as Alexa speakers to use the feature.