Amazon adds music automation to Echo products as HomePod lags behind
Amazon Alexa gains ‘Brief Mode’ with less verbose remarks after doing simple tasks
Recently, Amazon added a ‘Follow-Up Mode’ to its Echo line of devices, which allows users to repeatedly say commands to the assistant without saying “Alexa” again. The company even added a ‘feature’ where the Echo would laugh at you sporadically. Today, the tech-giant is adding a ‘Brief Mode’ which disables the chatter aspect of the Echo, and replaces it with a simple chime once a task is completed.
Amazon Web Services causing outages to the company’s Alexa service, among others
Amazon on Friday is having issues with its cloud-based “Amazon Web Services” system that is causing outages on several major platforms including the company’s own Alexa service.
Several large companies such as Amazon, Google, and Apple have been heavily relying on cloud infrastructure for their services for several years now. Any major outage can interrupt service for thousands, if not millions of users worldwide.
Review: Ultimate Ears’ latest speaker with Alexa on Blast
Over the past few years, Ultimate Ears has become somewhat of a household name in the world of portable speakers. Their ever-popular Boom lineup has shown that portable speakers can have excellent battery life and sound great. Recently they’ve taken it one step further by bringing Amazon’s Alexa to the portable speaker with their new Blast speakers. Combining a smart voice assistant, with a solid Bluetooth speaker, what’s not to like?
Ultimate Ears brings Amazon Alexa to its speaker lineup w/ new Blast & Megablast
Available for pre-order today, Ultimate Ears is bringing Amazon’s Alexa to its product roster with a new speaker lineup. Introducing the Blast and Megablast, the portable speakers incorporate Alexa to bring the virtual assistant wherever your music goes. Drawing on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless options, the speakers are set to work in whatever environment music players find themselves in.