Smart Assistants
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Feature
New Apple HomePod release date: What we know so far
Could a new version of the full-size Apple HomePod be on the way? Here's what we've heard about a successor to Apple's HomeKit hub.
News
Alexa’s latest voice trick might be its creepiest
Alexa may soon be able to conjure the voices of dead relatives with the help of AI.How-To
How to play music on all your Amazon Echo speakers at once
Want to hear tunes booming throughout your house? If you have Amazon Echo devices in multiple rooms, just ask Alexa, although you’ll need to tweak some settings first.
Updated
Best smart speakers and displays: We pick the brightest and best-sounding models
Whether you prefer Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, we’ll help you find just the right model.
Feature
The Sonos Sub Mini: What we know so far
Sonos hasn’t confirmed the Sonos Sub Mini yet, but we’ve gleaned plenty of details thanks to a series of leaks. Here's the latest skinny on what's expected to be a smaller and more affordable Sonos subwoofer.
Updated
Google blames Sonos for device activation errors, Sonos claps back
A handful of Pixel users can't activate smart devices that haven’t recently connected to Wi-Fi. Google says Sonos is to blame. but Sonos is pushing back at the charge.
Reviews
Sandman Doppler review: This smart clock radio wants a spot on your nightstand
No cameras in the bedroom! Here’s Alexa, music streaming, custom-color clock face, a six-port charging station and classic table-radio sound.Updated
New Sonos speaker in FCC filing looks a lot like the Sub Mini
The cat’s been out of the bag for months as far as Sonos’s rumored Sub Mini goes, and a new FCC filing hints that the unannounced subwoofer will become official sooner rather than later.
How-To
Talk to the hand: How to control your Google display with Quick Gestures
Want to get Google Assistant’s attention on your Nest Hub display? Just wave.
News
Hey Sonos: 7 things to know about the new Sonos voice assistant
Who will be voicing Sonos’s new voice assistant, what commands will it understand, and what music services will it work with? We’ve got answers to those questions and more.
News
The Google Nest Hub Max is making it easier to skip saying “Hey Google”
Soon you’ll be able to start speaking to Google Assistant just by looking at the Nest Hub Max’s screen, or by saying a specific “quick phrase.”
News
Hey, Sonos: What makes the speaker company’s new voice assistant different?
Report: Sonos Voice will arrive June 1 as part of a software update, serving as an alternative to Alexa and Hey, Google.
How-To
5 ways to keep Alexa from bugging you
Does Alexa ever cut you off, pipe up at the wrong time, or annoy you with continual notifications? These settings will keep Alexa from driving you nuts.
Updated
Alexa can now tell you when a security cam spots a person or package
Ring, Abode, and even Google security cameras will be able to trigger spoken Alexa alerts.
Reviews
Amazon Echo Frames (2nd gen) review: Sturdy glasses that put Alexa in your head
Amazon largely delivers on its promises with the sturdy, handsome, and cleverly designed Echo Frames, but having Alexa in your head won’t be for everyone.
How-To
Confused by Alexa's light rings? Here’s what the colors mean
The indicator lights on your Echo speaker can flash in seven different colors. Here’s what they’re trying to tell you.Updated
6 ways to make the most of your Alexa timers
If you find yourself setting multiple Alexa timers, there’s an easy way to keep them all straight. You can also set sleep timers, ask for reminders, check how much time you have left on a timer, and more.
Updated
Best smart smoke detector to keep your home safe
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors don’t just sound the alarm, they also alert your smart phone and more.
News
Need a doctor? Alexa can now arrange virtual house calls via Teladoc
Just say “Alexa, I want to talk to a doctor” to get a callback from a healthcare provider, although you might want to check your insurance first.
Updated