Latest Smart Assistants News
SEE SMART ASSISTANTS STORIES BY CATEGORY
News
Denon’s HEOS multi-room audio system climbs on the Google Cast bandwagon
These self-powered speakers can handle Cast for Audio streams right out of the box.News
VOXX shows off new outdoor speakers, headphones, and a paper-thin TV antenna at CES
Plenty of new products, including affordable DJ-quality headphones and weather-proof Bluetooth speakers.News
Meridian Audio’s MQA technology is the best product at CES so far
This encoding technology makes it possible for recording artists to distribute their work in studio-master quality—and you don’t need mind-numbingly expensive gear to enjoy to it.News
The TDK Trek Flex speaker is rugged and weatherized
Yep, yet another Bluetooth speaker. This one's noteworthy for the IP65 rating that protects it from dust and water jets.News
Google reveals Cast for Audio, a Chromecast-like way to beam music to sound gear
First Chromecast took over your TV, and Google Cast for Audio hopes to do the same for speakers and other audio gear.News
SuperTooth debuts super-cheap multi-room speaker system at 2015 CES
There’s nothing new about using Bluetooth to stream audio, but can it keep multiple speakers in sync?News
Samsung tips its hand ahead of CES, announces new wireless speakers and sound bars
In addition to wider sound bars, we’ll see a pair of new table-top speakers.News
Google Play Music subscribers will get free access to YouTube Music Key
Users of Google's other music streaming service will be able to use Google's new music streaming service without paying any additional fees.News
Google’s Chromecast adds games, Showtime app
A number of apps now allow you to play games on the Google Chromecast streaming stick, and Google has added support for Showtime as well.Now Streaming
Nexus Player review: Google’s third attempt at TV is a fine first draft
Google finally gets the TV box right with the Nexus Player, but it needs a lot of help from developers to reach its full potential.News
Razer reveals feature-packed Leviathan sound bar and subwoofer
Company best known for gaming laptops and peripherals returns to the speaker market.News
Sonos Boost promises to eliminate network dead spots on a Sonos network
The streaming audio company continues to stay one step ahead of the competition.Connected Home
Meet Blueshift Hydrogen, the supercapacitor-powered Bluetooth speaker that may outlive you
Blueshift's new crowdfunding campaign aims to launch a slew of new speakers and accessories, all rocking environmentally conscious, open-sourced designs.Now Streaming
It’s all about that bass for Mass Fidelity: Speaker manufacturer adds a subwoofer to its Core wireless speaker line
Company extends its crowdfunding campaign after raising 1425% of its original goal.Now Streaming
Chromecast adds support for Disney and iHeartRadio
New Chromecast apps add even more value to Google's cute little $35 streaming stick.Now Streaming
Sonos speakers now run on Wi-Fi with no Bridge required
The Sonos 5.1 software update means that you can set up and run Sonos on your Wi-Fi network without having a wired connection to your router.Now Streaming
11 dorm room gadgets that are too cool for school
Weird Wide Web
Google may offer accounts for kids, controls for parents
Children's accounts could go legit if Google can satisfy privacy requirementsNow Streaming
Google reportedly seals deal to gobble up Twitch for $1 billion
A YouTube-Twitch marriage could be a match made in heaven – or hell.Now Streaming
With Songza buy, Google recognizes music needs a human touch
Google's decision to add Songza to its musical bag of tricks shows that the Internet giant recognizes the importance of curation.Connected Home
Nest thermostat to work with wearables, appliances, and even your car
The Nest Developer Program will allow Google's smart thermostat to be a major hub in your connected home.Connected Home
Google’s Nest buys Dropcam to connect the home further
Google confirmed the deal in a blog post, while reports say the sale price was above $500 million.Now Streaming
OK Google, let’s rock: Android apps can play music directly from Google search
Sounds pretty convenient!Now Streaming
Chromecast gets WatchESPN, MLS, Google+ Photos and Crunchyroll
Google's $35 media streamer fills in a few more gaps in its catalog.Now Streaming
Google launches a tool for testing your ISP’s YouTube performance
Does your Internet service provider suck? Google's Video Quality Report tool can tell you—and even recommend a better ISP in your area.Now Streaming
New Sonos Controller apps exits beta with surprise feature
The Android and iOS app will let home theater users with 5.0- or 5.1-channel systems direct their surround speakers to play stereo sound — a feature Sonos added during the beta process for its mobile app.Weird Wide Web
Google’s same-day delivery service hits New York and West Los Angeles
Google Express Shipping lands on both coasts, and is still free for now.Now Streaming
Photowall for Chromecast aims to liven up your next party
New app turns televisions into interactive photo galleries.Now Streaming
Even after settlement, YouTube remains a pirate’s paradise
Don't think that the Viacom-YouTube piracy settlement means all the free Hollywood movies have disappeared from YouTube. Far from it.News
Beep aims to make dumb speakers smart
The $150 device lets you wirelessly send music from a smartphone or tablet to any old speaker systems or boomboxes you've got around the house.News
Beam your photos to the big screen with Chromecast’s AllCast support
Google on Monday began offering developer tools for new Chromecast apps. AllCast immediately jumped on board.News
Google releases Google Cast SDK, more Chromecast apps on the way
That $35 streaming stick is about to get a lot more value, now that a public SDK allows developers to add Chromecast support to their apps and websites.News
Beats Music doubles trial period after first week sign-up snags
The new mobile-focused music subscription service wasn't quite ready for its popularity out of the gate.Opinion
Despite Nest purchase, Google isn’t welcome in my house
Google's purchase of Nest has been greeted with more jeers than cheers. You can understand why people might not be eager to let the search giant into their home.Connected Home
Google is creepy, but you shouldn’t automatically fear it invading your Nest
You can't be a player in the Internet of Things without things, preferably really nice things. But Google's a data company, never forget.News
Google buys Nest, world gets one step closer to ‘OK Glass, make my house warmer’
Will Google's $3.2 billion investment in the Internet of Things market have privacy implications for Nest's customers? Nest, naturally, says no.News
CES preview: LG teases its thinner, smarter, curvier home theater gear
From a ridiculously huge 105-inch curved TV to sound bars and speakers you might actually buy, LG has a lot planned at CES next month.Connected Home
Google’s next big thing could be coming to a home near you
With home automation becoming more commonplace these days, Google may be planning to enter the scene with its own service.News
Google Chromecast gets 10 new apps but app floodgates stay closed
It's still unclear when Google will open the door to more third-party apps for Chromecast by releasing public software-developer tools.News
Google starts actively wooing Chromecast developers
Not only is Google holding a Chromecast hackathon, but it's teasing that the dongle's software development kit will soon ditch its preview status. Read: More apps are a-coming.News
Radio on the TV: Pandora comes to Chromecast
Pandora brings one-touch streaming to Google's little TV dongle that could.News
Hulu Plus comes to Chromecast
Google TV users still don't get any love, but Hulu Plus has graced Google's low-price streaming dongle with its presence.News
Google to host star-studded, globe-trotting YouTube Music Awards on November 3
Move over MTV: The YouTube Music Awards are muscling in an the awards scene with help from Lady Gaga, Eminem, and Arcade Fire.News
Roku plans Chromecast-like features, disses Chromecast
Reports say that Roku set-top boxes will soon get DIAL support, eventually giving users a way to launch streaming videos on television from their phones or tablets.News
Jawbone unveils Jambox Mini, an even more portable Bluetooth speaker
Jawbone on Wednesday unveiled the Jambox Mini, a smaller version of its flagship Jambox speaker, that doesn't sacrifice volume despite its smaller size.News
How the NFL and Silicon Valley are primed to blitz cable TV
Verizon already has a football deal. What happens if Google and Apple pile on, too?News
Google speeds up Chromecast shipments, but inventory remains low
Google has reduced the time buyers have to wait to receive the US$35 Chromecast TV device, saying it will ship orders in two weeks or less.News
Revamped YouTube apps rock playlists, movable videos, and Chromecast previews
YouTube is adding some new video-playing functions to its mobile app on both iOS and Android devices. Some of the tools are aimed at giving users more control over how they stream video to their television sets using Chromecast, Google's new video streaming device.News
Jongo expands streaming speaker lineup, unveils subscription music service
Watch out Sonos, Jongo has two new speakers *and* its own subscription music service on the way.Connected Home