All articles tagged with #smart speakers
Bose is shutting down cloud services for its SoundTouch speakers in May 2026, but the devices will remain functional via Bluetooth, AirPlay, and AUX, with an API provided for third-party app support, demonstrating a customer-friendly approach to product obsolescence.
Bose is transitioning its SoundTouch speakers to an open source software model after ending cloud support, allowing third-party developers to maintain compatibility and extend the product's life, while extending the end-of-life date to May 6 to accommodate this change.
Google has launched early access to Gemini for Home, an advanced AI voice assistant for compatible smart speakers like Nest Hub and Nest Audio, offering more natural conversational capabilities. Users can sign up via the Google Home app, but should be aware that once upgraded, devices cannot revert to the previous Assistant. Gemini Live, which enables dynamic chat, requires a Google Home Premium subscription. The update aims to make smart speakers more intelligent and conversational, moving closer to the sci-fi assistant vision.
Amazon has released the new Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio with advanced AI features powered by Alexa+, offering more natural conversations and smarter home integration. The Dot Max is a compact, affordable speaker with impressive sound for its size, while the Studio provides richer audio and spatial sound but lacks an auxiliary input. Alexa+ enhances the assistant's capabilities, making routines and interactions more seamless, though it is still in early access with some reported issues. Overall, the new devices mark a significant upgrade in Amazon's smart speaker lineup, emphasizing AI-driven features.
The 2025 redesign of Amazon's Echo Studio features a smaller, orb-shaped design with improved aesthetics and sound quality, but removes the 3.5mm jack, emphasizing streaming services for audio playback.
Bose is discontinuing support for its SoundTouch smart WiFi speakers by February 2026, removing features like online streaming and app control, leaving only Bluetooth and physical connections, which highlights the vulnerability of smart hardware to obsolescence and the ongoing relevance of hardware hacking.
Bose announced that it will stop supporting its SoundTouch Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars from February 18, 2026, rendering cloud-based features and the app non-functional, while continuing basic audio playback via AUX, HDMI, and Bluetooth. Customers can trade in their devices for up to $200, but the move marks the end of support for a product line introduced in 2013, citing technological obsolescence.
The article highlights the week's notable tech and gadget releases, including McIntosh's special-edition amplifier, new smart speakers from Google and Amazon, updated smart home devices from Nest, and innovative audio gear from Fosi Audio and Fiio, showcasing advancements in home entertainment and personal audio technology.
Google is rolling out Gemini for Home, a new voice assistant feature, initially through an Early Access program in select countries, starting in the US on October 28, with plans to expand globally by early 2026. The program allows users to test new features and provide feedback, with partnerships underway to bring Gemini to more third-party devices. The rollout includes compatibility with various Nest cameras and doorbells, and requires users to activate their Google AI Pro benefits if they have existing subscriptions.
Amazon announced new 4K Ring and Blink cameras with AI features like Search Party for locating lost dogs, along with upgraded Echo smart speakers and displays, ahead of Google's upcoming Home and Nest updates, enhancing home security and smart home integration.
Amazon has launched a new line of advanced Echo devices designed specifically for Alexa+, featuring custom silicon chips, Omnisense sensor fusion, and improved audio and display technology to enhance personalized, proactive AI experiences in the home. The lineup includes the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11, all supporting seamless smart home integration and new features like Alexa+ Store for discovering services and devices. These devices aim to provide richer interactions, better sound, and smarter home management, with availability starting in late October and November.
Amazon announced new Echo smart speakers and displays featuring Alexa+ with generative AI, including the Echo Dot Max at $99.99, Echo Studio at $219.99, and new Echo Show models at $179.99 and $219.99.
Amazon's Echo Pop and Echo Dot smart speakers are currently on sale at their lowest prices since June, ahead of Prime Day, offering affordable options for smart home control and Alexa functionalities, with the Echo Dot providing better sound quality and additional sensors for smart home automation.
Google has provided a more specific timeline for the rollout of Gemini on Android Auto and Google TV, expected to arrive in Fall 2023 (September to November), following earlier teasers and announcements at Google I/O and the Made by Google event.
Apple is releasing an updated version of the HomePod Mini featuring a new chip, enhancing its performance and capabilities.