Amazon beefs up Echo line-up and Alexa skills
AMAZON on Wednesday introduced a handful of new home assistant devices powered by its Alexa voice- commanded artificial intelligence, ramping up its lineup competing against challenges from Google and others.
The US tech giant unveiled upgrades to its Echo speakers which showcase the company’s digital assistant.
The freshened line-up of Echo devices included a redesigned model with improved sound, along with an Echo Plus model.
Among the new features was the ability to make free voice calls to home phones as well as to other Echo devices.
Along with fortifying its hardware lineup ahead of the year- end holiday shopping season, the Seattle-based internet titan also announced that Alexa smarts will be built into BMW and Mini automobiles by the middle of next year.
“Voice is a big part of the future, especially in cars,” Alex automotive vice president Ned Curic said in a release.
“Using your voice to enjoy content and interact with your car makes a great driving experience even better.”
Carmakers Ford and Volkswagen early this year announced plans to infuse models with Alexa virtual assistant technology.
People in BMW or Mini cars will be able to ask Alexa for directions, make call, control smart homes, check news, and more while motoring along, the companies said in a release. — AFP