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Smart home speakers are almost dead. Can AI save them?

Business Insider

Business Insider · 1y ago

Smart home speakers are almost dead. Can AI save them?

"Smart" devices like Amazon Echo and Google Assistant have faced recent setbacks, with layoffs and underwhelming performance. The writer shares their frustration with the limitations of smart speakers, particularly Alexa's inability to play clean versions of songs. They highlight the lack of innovation in the smart speaker category and discuss the potential for AI-enabled devices like the AI Pin and Rabbit R1 to revolutionize the smart home industry. The writer envisions a future where smart home devices are more intuitive, capable of performing complex tasks, and providing a smarter user experience.

Related News

Google’s Gemini AI is now on Nest smart speakers - The Verge

The Verge

The Verge · 7m ago

Google’s Gemini AI is now on Nest smart speakers - The Verge

Google is rolling out a Gemini-powered Google Assistant to some Google Home users on select Nest smart speakers. This enhanced Assistant can provide more in-depth answers to wider-ranging questions, similar to the Gemini on Android and iOS. It is currently available on Nest Audio and Nest Mini (2nd gen) speakers for users in Google Home's Public Preview who are also Nest Aware subscribers. The Gemini-powered Assistant also offers features like camera search and descriptions for Nest security cameras and a Help me create feature for setting up Google Home routines.

Families with young kids interact with Alexa two times more than other users, says Amazon

Startup News FYI

Startup News FYI · 1y ago

Families with young kids interact with Alexa two times more than other users, says Amazon

According to Amazon, families with young children in India interact with Alexa twice as much as other users. Parents find Alexa to be a helpful companion in their parenting journey, as it offers kid-friendly experiences like bedtime stories, nursery rhymes, and educational information. Alexa has been found to reduce screen time among kids and help them stay mentally active and independent. To celebrate Alexa's 6th anniversary, Amazon is offering up to 50% off on Echo smart speakers, Fire TV Stick, and Alexa smart home combos.

US court allows Google speaker imports in Sonos patent fight

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

US court allows Google speaker imports in Sonos patent fight

Google's redesigned versions of smart speakers and other devices do not infringe on Sonos' patents, according to a U.S. appeals court. The court upheld a previous decision that Google's redesigns, including Google Home speakers and Nest Hub displays, were sufficient to avoid patent infringement. However, the court also affirmed that the original versions of the devices did infringe on Sonos' patents. Sonos claims that Google is a widespread infringer of its wireless home audio patents. The two companies have been involved in an ongoing intellectual property dispute, with lawsuits in multiple countries.

Just 3 days left to save up to $900 on your Disrupt 2025 pass | TechCrunch

TechCrunch · 2m ago

Just 3 days left to save up to $900 on your Disrupt 2025 pass | TechCrunch

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is approaching, offering significant discounts on event tickets until May 25. Attendees can save up to $900 or purchase an additional pass at 90% off. The event, celebrating its 20th anniversary, takes place October 27–29 in San Francisco. It features renowned speakers and focuses heavily on AI, with multiple stages dedicated to startup growth, space technology, and public company transitions. Participants can connect with global tech leaders and witness the Startup Battlefield 200 competition.

How caregivers are using smart tech to help aging parents

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

How caregivers are using smart tech to help aging parents

Smart technology is becoming increasingly popular among caregivers looking to assist aging or ill parents. Smart assistants like Amazon's Alexa are helpful in monitoring and supporting loved ones, with features such as reminders, entertainment, and emergency calling. Smart cameras provide added security and enable caregivers to monitor their parents' well-being remotely. Pill dispensers can help ensure medication is taken correctly, while trackers can help locate individuals or items. Smart companions and complete smart home setups are also options to alleviate loneliness and automate daily tasks. However, technology adoption may be limited by resistance or lack of knowledge among older individuals.

Hackers Hijacked Google’s Gemini AI With a Poisoned Calendar Invite to Take Over a Smart Home

Wired · 2d ago

Hackers Hijacked Google’s Gemini AI With a Poisoned Calendar Invite to Take Over a Smart Home

Security researchers have demonstrated an unprecedented hack on Google's Gemini AI through a corrupted calendar invite. This attack allowed them to control smart home devices in a Tel Aviv apartment, such as turning off lights and manipulating smart shutters. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in AI systems, enabling real-world disruptions without the residents' awareness or scheduled actions. This showcases a significant intersection of technology vulnerabilities with everyday life.

Meta is adding AI to its Ray-Ban smart glasses next month

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

Meta is adding AI to its Ray-Ban smart glasses next month

Meta will reportedly introduce artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to its Ray-Ban smart glasses next month. The glasses will feature multimodal AI that can perform tasks such as translation and object identification. Users can activate the AI assistant by saying "Hey Meta" and asking a question or giving a prompt. The glasses will respond through built-in speakers. In testing, the AI was successful in identifying objects and pets, but struggled with identifying zoo animals from a distance and had difficulty identifying an exotic fruit. The glasses will support translations in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German.

Some teachers are now using ChatGPT to grade papers

Arstechnica

Arstechnica · 1y ago

Some teachers are now using ChatGPT to grade papers

Educators in grades 3-12 are turning to Writable, a grading tool powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT, to streamline the grading process. Writable utilizes AI-generated feedback to analyze student essays and offers rubric-aligned comments and draft scores. However, concerns have been raised about relying too heavily on AI for grading, potentially diminishing personalized feedback and teachers' familiarity with the material. Nonetheless, proponents argue that these tools can save teachers time, enabling them to focus on more impactful teaching activities. Other AI-powered grading tools on the market include Gradescope, Crowdmark, and EssayGrader.

Living with the ghost of a smart home’s past

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

Living with the ghost of a smart home’s past

A new homeowner found their house filled with outdated smart home technology left behind by the previous owner. Despite their attempts to disconnect and reset the devices, the lights, shades, and thermostat continued to operate on schedules set by the previous owner. The problem was identified as a defunct smart home system called Insteon, which had recently been resurrected but required a new hub and a monthly subscription to function properly. This situation highlights the challenges and complications that can arise when inheriting outdated smart home systems.

Nearly half of businesses are tracking their remote workers — but apparently it's for your own good

Techradar

Techradar · 1y ago

Nearly half of businesses are tracking their remote workers — but apparently it's for your own good

A recent survey by Kinly revealed that almost half of enterprises (44%) are currently monitoring their employees' working hours while working from home, with an additional third (33%) planning to do so in the future. To ensure employee well-being, 65% of businesses are requiring workers to install IoT devices to monitor lighting and air quality. However, this practice raises security concerns as these often inadequately tested devices can potentially provide hackers with access to home and business networks, posing a significant security vulnerability.

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