Ethical question: should you disclose smart speakers like HomePod to guests?
If you own a smart speaker like HomePod or a similar device that comes with an always-on assistant, should you make visitors aware they might be recorded at all times?
Wireless Speaker
A cheaper HomePod with just two tweeters could drop as early as next year
Apple is reportedly working on a cheaper HomePod with poorer sound for as early as next year because the current $300 model “hasn’t sold very well.”
Apple Music with Alexa is launching today on German Echo devices
All that customers need to do before being able to use this functionality is set Apple Music as the default streaming service in the mobile Alexa app.
The new HomePod software makes the Siri-speaker play nice with enterprise networks
To install the new software, open the Home app on your iOS device, tap the icon in the upper-left of the corner, choose the option Software Update and follow the instructions.
Apple is working on a multi-user mode for HomePod, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has it
The Cupertino company is allegedly developing a much-requested mode for the HomePod smart speaker that would let the device respond to different users’ voices.
Some Amazon employees who listen to Alexa requests have access to users’ home addresses
Some members of Amazon’s team auditing Alexa requests have access to locations and, in some cases, can find a user’s home address by typing their location data into Google Maps.
Apple cuts HomePod price globally by $50, now $299 in the US
In an effort to boost sales, Apple’s decided to do something it rarely does by cutting the HomePod price by $50 to bring the Siri-powered speaker to $299, down from $349.
What the status lights on an Amazon Echo speaker mean
Wondering what all those Amazon Echo status lights mean? Blue, green, yellow, red, and more lights show you what’s happening and here’s what they mean.
Apple researching new HomePod features: 3D hand gestures, Face ID & much more
In the latest patent application, Apple explores a future HomePod that could gather hand gestures and other 3D gesture input, including waving, clapping and so forth.
In China, you can ask HomePod to tell you a story
HomePod in China includes storytelling features for children that permit kids to ask the Siri assistant to tell them a story.
HomePod will be available in mainland China and Hong Kong starting Friday
Availability of Apple’s Siri-powered wireless speaker is scheduled to expand to mainland China and Hong Kong starting this coming Friday, January 18
Amazon confirmed third-party Alexa speakers will gain Apple Music integration too
Amazon has officially confirmed that Alexa-enabled speakers from third-party brands will soon be permitted to integrate with Apple Music following Echo exclusivity.
