Siri usage is higher than Google Search app usage, but searching in Safari is higher than both.
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Microsoft Adds Cortana to the Voice Assistant Game with Invoke
Amazon has Echo, Google has Home, Apple reportedly has its own voice controlled assistant in the works, and now Microsoft is getting in on the game, too. Microsoft’s device is called Invoke, and it uses the company’s Cortana voice interface coupled with Harman Kardon speakers.
Phil Schiller Says Siri-like Voice Assistants Need Displays
If Apple really is making an Amazon Echo competitor, what does their Siri speaker appliance really need? According to Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller, it needs a screen.
Take Your Holiday Shopping Online with These Black Friday Deals on Amazon
With a focus on entertainment, today we’re taking a look at the best Black Friday deals available on Amazon.
Stirring the Disney/Apple M&A Stew
The tragedy in Hingham may have been an accident, Best Buy warns of too few iPhone 14 Pros, and somebody still wants Apple to buy Disney…
TP-Link Kasa Begins Offering HomeKit Support
Smart home accessory maker TP-Link Kasa is adding support for HomeKit to some products. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim is available now.
New Chrome OS Flex Could Revive Your Old Mac
Google has introduced Chrome OS Flex, its project that lets individuals, schools, or businesses put Chrome OS on their aging machines.
The Apple TV App Now Available on Nvidia SHIELD
Starting on Tuesday, Nvidia SHIELD owners can use the Apple TV app to purchase or rent movies and TV shows, and access Apple TV+.
Sonos Announces Roam: Portable, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Waterproof, and Obsessively Designed
On Tuesday, Sonos announced Roam, their first truly portable speaker. The 15oz, pill-shaped speaker looks like many of those waterproof BlueTooth speakers already in the market, but in true Sonos fashion the Roam takes things to a whole new level.
Yale Introduces Smart Delivery Box to Protect and Secure Your Deliveries
In this age of increased contactless deliveries, the Yale Smart Delivery Box offers security and convenience for securely receiving deliveries.
August Releases 4th Generation Wi-Fi Smart Lock
August is showing their 4th generation of their smart lock, a Wi-FI Smart Lock that attaches to your existing deadbolt.
Nooie Shows Full Featured Cam Doorbell
Nooie is showing their latest product, the Nooie Cam Doorbell, at the Techfluence CES Preview event.
Big Sur, the M1 MacBook Air, and Quick Tips — Mac Geek Gab 845
Dave’s had his M1 MacBook Air for a week, and John has some questions for him! Lots more about Big Sur including your questions answered *and* some Quick Tips. Of course, MGG wouldn’t be complete without more in-depth tips, too, and y’all have been keeping the queue full in that department! Press play and enjoy learning at least five new things.
Hombli Smart Indoor Camera: $34.97
We have a deal on the Hombli Smart Indoor Camera, a security camera with 1080p HD video, night vision, 2-way audio, and storage with MicroSD or cloud service. It supports Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, and it come with support apps for iOS and Android. This device is $34.97 through our deal.
Sonos Arc Review Part 1: Oh, That Wide, Glorious Sound
Sonos’ latest home theater speaker, the Sonos Arc, begins arriving in customers’ homes later this month. We’ve had a few days to take a look—and a listen—to what essentially becomes their “Pro” soundbar, and we are duly impressed.
Sonos Arc Premium Soundbar Brings Dolby Atmos, Immersive Sound
On Wednesday, Sonos announced their latest hardware additions, featuring the Sonos Arc, a premium soundbar with support for Dolby Atmos. This marks the first Sonos product to support Dolby Atmos, and there are hints at support for higher resolution audio formats coming in the future. Two other pieces of hardware, Sonos Five (a PLAY:5 with revamped guts) and their 3rd-generation Sonos Sub, were also announced today.
Sony Announces 8K And 4K TVs With HomeKit And AirPlay 2 Support
Sony announced a new range of 8K and 4K televisions that come with support for HomeKit and AirPlay 2, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant.
Neato Robot Vacuums Can Be Controlled With Siri Shortcuts
Neato Robotics announced today that it added support for Siri Shortcuts within its app. This means you can start controlling your robot vacuum with your voice.
By connecting your Neato to Siri Shortcuts, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, you can simply start cleaning just by using your voice.
I’d love to get a robot vacuum some day. In the meantime, if you have one of these products, try controlling it with a shortcut on your HomePod, Apple Watch, or iOS device.
Apple Shipped Just 2.6 million HomePods During the 2019 Holiday Quarter
Apple Shipped 2.6 Million HomePods during the last three months of 2019. That is a long way behind its competitors, especially Amazon. David Watkins, director at Strategy Analytics, told Cult of Mac why he thinks that is.
“The price is still very high…That closes the door to a huge swathe of potential customers.” “I think there’s also a reasonable amount of consumer skepticism over the usefulness of Siri as a voice platform,” Watkins continued. “Amazon and Google have done an amazing job of building out their ecosystem around Alexa and Google Assistant, in partnership with so many smart home companies. Apple doesn’t have that strength of ecosystem around Siri.”
Turn Your Phone Into a Universal Remote and Control Multiple Smart Home Devices: $19.95
We have a deal on Hombli, a smart IR remote control that turns your iPhone or Android device into a universal remote for multiple smarthome devices. The Hombli acts as a hub, and you control it with a companion app. With it, you can access over 80,000 devices from popular brands including Samsung, Sony, and Philips, and you can use hands-free voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This device is $19.95 through our deal.
Tech Firms Score With Super Bowl LIV Adverts
While Apple ran a campaign aroudn the Super Bowl, other tech firms ran adverts during the Kansa City vs San Francisco match.
CES 2020: Bosch Smart Home System Getting HomeKit Support
Bosch announced at CES that users will be able to control its Smart Home System via the Home App and Siri in the near future.
Lumicharge Updates Their Multifunction Device Lineup with LumiCharge LD
LAS VEGAS, NV — LumiCharge is showing a new version of their multifunction device, the Lumicharge LD, at CES 2020.
CES: ADT Launches New Smart Security Cameras, HomeKit Support on Way
Security firm ADT unveiled a range of smart products at CES and promised HomeKit support in the near future.