Category: Voice Controls

BMW Tech Transportation Voice Assistants Voice Controls

BMW makes sure we can’t escape voice assistants while driving

sudshr47 September 7, 2018

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Another “wake word” has entered the lexicon. Instead of “OK, Google” or “Hey, Alexa,” this time it’s “Hey, BMW.”

With BMW’s new virtual assistant, coming to the German car maker in 2019, voice commands are front and center in the car. It’s a new way to interact with your vehicle.

The assistant was revealed Thursday at a TechCrunch Disrupt main stage event. BMW senior vice president of digital products, Dieter May, showed it off, extolling its skills beyond “just voice commands.” He said the assistant would “live side by side with you” — which is either super helpful or super creepy. Read more…

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Google Assistant Lenovo Mashable Choice Reviews Voice Controls

Lenovo’s Smart Display takes smart speakers to the next level with touchscreen

sudshr47 July 26, 2018

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Lenovo Smart Display (10-inch)
$249
The Good

Big • sharp • and responsive touchscreen • Excellent far-field microphones • Good clear speaker • Physical camera privacy shutter • Retro design

The Bad

Kinda big for kitchens • Only has a single speaker

The Bottom Line

Lenovo’s Smart Display is a perfect example of how voice-controlled smart speakers are better with a touchscreen.

Mashable Score4.25
Cool Factor4.0
Learning Curve5.0
Performance4.0
Bang for the Buck4.0

It’s coming out a year later, but Lenovo’s Smart Display is clearly an answer to Amazon’s Echo Show. Read more…

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Alexa Amazon Gadgets Reviews Voice Controls

Amazon’s Fire TV Cube is a glimpse at Alexa-controlled entertainment, but it needs work

sudshr47 June 21, 2018

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Amazon Fire TV Cube
$119.99
The Good

Sleek and compact design • Alexa works even when soundbar is playing loudly right next to it • Super easy setup process • Comes with Ethernet adapter and IR extender cable

The Bad

Not all apps support full Alexa voice controls • Not compatible with projectors • Can’t control channels picked up OTA via TV antenna • No option for ‘Nintendo’ for switching inputs • Doesn’t work with universal remotes like Harmony Hub

The Bottom Line

Amazon’s Fire TV Cube is a good glimpse at how Alexa can be used to control your home entertainment system, but it’s in need of a lot of polish.

Mashable Score3.25
Cool Factor4.0
Learning Curve3.0
Performance3.0
Bang for the Buck3.0

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Appliances Internet of Things Kitchen Smart Home Voice Controls

The Internet of Things now includes everything and the kitchen sink

sudshr47 January 5, 2018

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Everything’s voice-activated these days — even the kitchen sink.

The Delta Faucet Company announced Friday it’s developing faucets that respond to voice commands. Along with turning off and on, they’ll be able to measure amounts of water for cooking, and warm water, too. 

It’s all possible thanks to Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa.

Mike Sale, Delta Faucet’s senior research and design product development manager, said in a call this week that the sink designers took a page from early voice-enabled lights and HVAC systems that could turn on with a simple command.  Read more…

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