Smart Assistants
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How-To
How to use Alexa Routines to make your Amazon Echo even smarter
Alexa Routines creates lots of new possibilities for your Amazon Echo. Here's how to put them to use.
How-To
Miss Cortana? Here's how to use Alexa on Windows 11
With Cortana on Windows 11 no longer a thing, you’ll need an alternative. Alexa is the obvious choice, and here's how to get started.
Reviews
Sonos Era 300 stereo pair and Sonos Sub review: Value times 3
We take a deep dive into the sonic experience of Sonos Era 300 speakers in stereo, supplemented by the Sonos Sub. Is the $1,700 investment worthwhile?
Feature
Sonos Move 2: What we know so far
A new version of Sonos's portable Move speaker is on the way, but when will it arrive, and what will it cost? Here's what we know.
News
Google eyes a Google Assistant 'supercharged' by AI
Adding new AI tech to Google Assistant is a "huge opportunity" for the tech giant, which is reportedly reorganizing its Assistant teams to make it happen.
Reviews
Monster DNA Max review: Emphasis on performance, not specs
Monster delivers a Bluetooth speaker that stays connected, sounds good, and doesn’t include a raft of features most users don’t need.
Deal
Soundcore Motion X600 gets a 25% discount for Prime Day
We just awarded this excellent Bluetooth speaker an Editors' Choice award, and now you can buy one for a lot less.
Deal
Prime Day deal: Amazon's latest Echo Dot is just $22.99
The fifth-gen Echo Dot boasts better sound and doubles as an Eero extender, and it's half-off for Prime Day.
News
Sony’s HT-AX7 portable theater system has removable speakers
If you’ve ever wanted a Dolby Atmos-style soundbar experience for your phone, laptop or tablet, then Sony has the product for you.
Reviews
Sony's SRS-XV800 is a tower of power
This super-loud Bluetooth party speaker can also put on a colorful light show. And it's so massive it's equipped with wheels to make it easier to move.
News
Skullcandy shows off 5 new water-resistant Bluetooth speakers
Ranging in price from $30 to $80, all five speakers boast Bluetooth 5.3 radios and can withstand submersion in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes.
News
Amazon's 'Hey Disney' assistant finally arrives for U.S. Echo users
A joint effort between Amazon and Disney, the custom-built "Hey Disney" voice assistant is now generally available—for a price.
News
Yes, you'll be able to keep 'Hey Siri' as Siri's only trigger phrase
One of the big changes coming with iOS 17 is the ability to drop "Hey" from the "Hey Siri" tigger phrase, but the standard "Hey Siri" will still be an option.
News
iOS 17 StandBy mode brings smart display-like features to iPhone
Coming in iOS 17, StandBy displays clock faces, smart home widgets, and photos on your iPhone's lock screen when it's horizontal.
News
Apple will simplify Siri's wake word with iOS 17
Soon you won't need to say "Hey" before chatting with Apple's Siri on the iPhone. Back-to-back Siri commands without the wake word are also coming soon.
News
Google Assistant to drop support for third-party notes apps
Starting next month, Google Assistant will only be able to create notes and lists on Google Keep, leaving AnyList and Bring users high and dry.
News
Amazon to pay $30M to settle the FTC's Alexa, Ring complaints
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission had accused Amazon of illegally gathering data from kids through their Alexa profiles, as well as mishandling Ring videos.
Updated
Amazon yanks Alexa’s paid celebrity voices, offers refunds
Alexa’s ability to speak in Samuel L. Jackson’s voice is already gone, and the Melissa McCarthy and Shaquille O’Neal voices are getting the hook soon.
News
Apple iOS 17 might turn your iPhone into a smart display
The next version of iOS could make your iPhone act like a smart display when it's locked and positioned horizontally, according to a report.
News
Amazon unveils new Echo Pop speaker, revamped Echo Show 5
The updated Echo Show 5 arrives with a faster processor and new speakers, while the affordable and semi-spherical Echo Pop comes in four colors.
News
Google’s Pixel Tablet with Nest-style charging dock arrives in June
The Pixel Tablet and dock combo will cost $499 when it ships next month, making the package considerably less pricey than expected.
Reviews
Tested: Sanus for Sonos Era speaker stands
These sturdy, affordable speaker stands for the Sonos Era 100 and Sonos Era 300 are available in fixed and height-adjustable configurations.
News
Sony wants to help you rock the block with new wireless speakers
The plus-sized Sony SRS-XV800 Bluetooth speaker is a towering, battery-powered, wheeled behemoth. Sony also announced the compact SRS-XB100.
News
Google I/O 2023: Will the Nest dock make an appearance?
Google teased a Nest-style dock for its upcoming Google Pixel Tablet last year. Will the finished product take the stage at Google I/O 2023?
News
Alexa can now keep tabs on your Uber Eats orders
Alexa will give you real-time updates on your Uber Eats delivery, including when your order is arriving and whether there are any changes.
News
Amazon Alexa now supports Matter over Thread
Alexa's support for the new, ecosystem-unifying smart home standard is no longer limited to Wi-Fi.
How-To
How to check if your Google Nest Hub display is running Fuchsia
Your Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max may already be running on Google's new Fuchsia OS. Here’s how to find out if yours was updated.
News
Amazon appears to be prepping a third-gen Echo Show 5
A reference to a third-generation Echo Show 5 display has been spotted on an Amazon help page. Is a new version of the smallest Echo display on the way?
News
B&O's new Beosound A5 speaker supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The luxury brand’s latest portable speaker, the Beosound A5, has a Bluetooth 5.2 radio, but it also supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bang & Olufsen’s own Beolink Multiroom technology.
Reviews
Mirai Speaker review : This TV speaker throws a wicked curve
If you find yourself cranking your TV’s speakers to hear what’s being said, this curiously curved speaker promises to clear things up.
News
Google Assistant will shush itself when controlling nearby devices
Too much chatter from Google Assistant? If so, good news: The Assistant will now acknowledge certain commands with a chime rather than by speaking.
News
Apple HomePods can now detect the sound of smoke alarms
If your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, your HomePod or HomePod mini can detect the sound and trigger a notification.
Reviews
Andover Audio SpinBase Max review: This is a fabulous sequel
This new-and-improved Bluetooth speaker designed specifically for turntables is better than ever.
News
T-Mobile and Amazon team up for hands-free Alexa calls
T-Mobile just became the latest carrier to offer hands-free calling through Alexa, joining AT&T and Verizon.
Reviews
The new HomePod is for Apple users first, smart-home dwellers second
The new HomePod supports Matter, the standard that promises to get rid of walled gardens, but this smart speaker won’t let you entirely escape Apple’s.
News
A HomePod with a screen? Your wait just got longer
Apple still has plans for a HomePod smart display, but it probably won't arrive this year, according to the latest buzz.
Reviews
House of Marley Get Together 2 Bluetooth speaker series review
With this trio of exceptional speakers, the heirs of reggae legend Bob Marley prove eco-conscious manufacturing can produce great listening experiences.
Reviews
JBL Bar 1300X review: Wireless surround sound—with a catch
This soundbar's rear surround speakers operate on battery power, rendering them truly wireless. The tradeoff? You must remember to charge them.
News
The Sonos Era series should cement the company's leadership
Sonos Era 100 and Sonos Era 300 feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity. The larger speaker delivers spatial audio from a single cabinet or a two-piece set.
Reviews
Platin Audio Monaco 5.1.2 review: Surround sound without wires
We put another WiSA-based wireless speaker system to the test and once again come away impressed.
News
LG updates its loud and proud XBoom party speaker lineup
Powerful amps, big woofers, colorful lighting, and IPX4 weather resistance highlight LG's new XBoom XL5 and XL7 party speakers.
Reviews
Marshall Middleton review: Clarity, thump, and sonic excellence
The Marshall Middleton is one of the best mid-sized portable Bluetooth speaker we've heard. Given its IP67 protection from the elements, that's a minor miracle. On the downside, there's a steep price for all this excellence.
News
Sony finally unveils its 2023 TV and soundbar lineup
Five updates to the Sony Bravia XR lineup include a new QD OLED in the Sony Master series, three new mini-LED series, and a new full-array backlight series.
Reviews
Monoprice Monolith Audition review: The magic of wired speakers
In an increasingly wireless world, the Monolith Audition series of home theater loudspeakers makes a strong case for old-school speaker wires.
Reviews
PSB Alpha iQ review: The devil—and delight—is in the details
Good things come in small packages, and PSB Speakers’ diminutive wireless music system is a wonder.
Reviews
The Tronsmart Halo 100 is a bangin' Bluetooth party speaker
This versatile little boombox is great for everyday use at moderate volume, but it really shines when you crank it up at a party.
News
KEF updates its R-series speaker lineup with noise-reducing tech
KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) promises to create an “acoustic black hole” that eliminates distortion.
News
The Marshall Middleton Bluetooth speaker is ready to rock
The Middleton is the latest speaker from Sweden's Zound Industries, which builds speakers and headphones under license from Marshall Amplification.
Reviews