Smart Speakers Archives

Sony introduces 360 Reality Audio wireless speakers

25/03/2021

Sony introduces 360 Reality Audio wireless speakers with new Amazon Music HD streaming capabilities. From the 6th April 2021 in North America, Sony’s SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000 speakers can now stream Amazon Music HD using Alexa Cast. This subscription plan offers 70 million songs available in High Definition (CD Quality 16-bit lossless FLAC), over five million songs in Ultra HD (HiRes 24-bit lossless FLAC), and a growing catalogue of 3D Audio, which includes 360 Reality Audio content. Introduced in […]

80 million Americans listen to podcasts weekly

13/03/2021

80 million Americans listen to podcasts weekly, a 17% increase over 2020 reaching 28% of the US 12+ population according to the Infinite Dial 2021. The Infinite Dial is produced by Edison Research and is America’s longest-running survey of digital media consumer behaviour in the US, published annually since 1998. It provides survey data on a number of important media channels, including streaming audio, podcasting, and social media from a representative sample of the US population aged 12 and over. The overall […]

Apple Music comes to Nest Audio

07/12/2020

Apple Music comes to Nest Audio and also on Google Assistant enabled smart speakers. Available now Apple Music is rolling out to Google Assistant-enabled devices like Nest Audio, Nest Hub Max and Nest Mini. Apple Music subscribers can search and play more than 70 million songs, albums and playlists. all ad-free, just by using your voice. To play music from Apple Music, first link your Apple Music account in the Google Home app. You can […]

Global smart speaker market to grow by 21% in 2021

25/10/2020

Global smart speaker market to grow by 21% in 2021 and will reach 163 million units (including smart displays) according to research firm Canalys. In 2020, Mainland China, which has the COVID-19 pandemic under control, will lead, growing 16%, while the rest of the market is expected to grow 3% as countries continue to battle the coronavirus. With demand for stay-home entertainment expected to increase, global platform vendors have released new smart speakers and displays, ensuring […]

Pandora enables voice control on Apple HomePod

18/10/2020

Pandora enables voice control on Apple HomePod and the new Apple HomePod mini using Siri on Pandora’s iOS app. With Pandora on HomePod, users will be able to play their favourite Pandora content and control their listening experience hands-free by using simple Siri voice commands, such as: “Hey Siri, play some relaxing music on Pandora.” “Hey Siri, play the Sway’s Interviews podcast on Pandora.” Pandora will be available on Apple HomePod soon. Once available, users […]

COVID-19 is changing listening habits in US

23/06/2020

COVID-19 is changing listening habits in the US with the percentage of listeners streaming AM/FM Radio increasing to 10% and the share of time spent listening to audio at home has increased by 44%. These findings are from the Share of Ear reports from Edison Research and represent the results of two surveys conducted in May 2020. Streaming accounts for 10% of AM/FM Radio Most radio stations in the US now can be heard online […]

Sonos introduces Arc smart soundbar

07/05/2020

Sonos introduces Arc smart soundbar, the Sonos Sub, the Sonos Five and announces the date when the new S2 Sonos app will be available. The Sonos Arc has support for Dolby Atmos, and multiple voice assistants and can be used to stream music, podcasts and radio when the TV is off. The Arc will be available from 10th June and cost £799. It can be pre-ordered from Sonos on their website. Sonos Arc contains eleven […]