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While new gadgets tend to dominate Amazon's annual Devices and Services Event, the company still has a few upgrades planned for its ubiquitous digital assistant. So here are all the fresh features and skills Amazon is planning to add to Alexa.
For people trying to shop for a new outfit, the Echo Show is getting an AI-based skill that allows it to more easily search for clothes using a customer's references or specific characteristics. For example, Amazon says you can ask things like "Alexa, show me the one-shoulder top." Amazon explained the skill was created using the Alexa Teacher Model, which was trained using images and captions sourced from the company's product database.
In the car, Alexa is also getting a new Roadside Assistance feature that will connect you with an agent in case you need do something like calling a tow truck or get help changing a flat tire. On top of that, BMW is expanding its partnership with Amazon, with BMW announcing plans to build its next-generation voice assistant using the Alexa Custom Assistant solution. BMW's goal is to support more natural language controls that are easy to use while driving.
Alexa is also getting integration with the new Halo Rise, allowing it to do things like automatically turn off your lights when you get in bed or play your favorite song to help you wake up in the morning. Amazon will also be adding the Fire TV experience to the Echo Show 15, so users will be able to watch all their favorite shows or purchased content on a smaller screen. There's also a new Alexa Voice Remote Pro for Fire TVs, that allows you to more easily switch between various inputs, control routines and use your voice to find the remote if you lose it thanks to the controller's built-in speaker.
Meanwhile for Disney fans, Amazon is adding a new "Hey Disney" command that gives anyone with a Kids+ subscription access to immersive entertainment experiences featuring big-name Disney characters.
Follow all of the news from Amazon's event right here!
Experts are predicting the Reserve Bank will hike the official cash rate by another 0.5 per cent on Tuesday. This is what it will cost you if it does.
Interest rates are rising, rents are going up and the cost of living is the highest it’s been since the 1990’s. So, if you don’t already have a budget in place it might be time to put one together. Making a budget can be tedious, or even overwhelming but it can really help you feel more on top of your finances and hopefully save some money too.
It’s back to the future with this ‘remarkable’ Queensland home that also includes a Japanese garden. Take a look inside.
Interest rates are rising, rents are going up and the cost of living is the highest it’s been since the 1990’s. So, if you don’t already have a budget in place it might be time to put one together. Making a budget can be tedious, or even overwhelming but it can really help you feel more on top of your finances and hopefully save some money too.
Australia's housing affordability problem is getting worse, despite the recent fall in property prices. Now, the Productivity Commission has put forward a drastic new plan.
The S&P; 500 has closed the books on its steepest September decline in two decades, skidding across the finish line of a tumultuous quarter fraught with historically hot inflation, rising interest rates and recession fears.All three major indices veered to a sharply lower end on Friday, having quashed a brief rally early in the session.
Premier Investment shares have soared to a four-month high after the Smiggle, Just Jeans and Peter Alexander brand owner announced an almost five per cent rise in full-year profit and a share buyback of up to $50 million.2m in statutory net profit after tax in the 12 months to July 30, up 4.
The Aussie dollar falling below 64 US cents may have seemed concerning, but Stephen Koukoulas explains why things aren’t as bad as they seem.
Wall Street has ended sharply lower on worries that the Federal Reserve's aggressive fight against inflation could hobble the US economy, and as investors fretted about a rout in global currency and debt markets.With tech-related heavyweights Tesla Inc, Apple Inc and Nvidia Corp all slumping, the Nasdaq sank to near its lowest level of 2022, set in mid-June.
The competition watchdog has formed the preliminary view Telstra and TPG's spectrum-sharing agreement would improve regional coverage but it isn't ready to approve the deal.The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said on Friday TPG and Telstra had agreed to give it a second extension to decide on the $1.
Aussies are being warned to look out for increased scams following the recent Optus data breach. Here are four to watch out for.
The effigy of Queen Elizabeth II may not remain on our $5 note, with discussions happening around whether to change the currency. Here’s what we know so far.
The local market is expected to slip this morning after another sell-off on Wall Street overnight. This is your Friday morning wrap.
Making money and managing money don't necessarily go hand in hand when it comes to celebrities. Read on for our list of the most successful celebrity investors.
Covid payments have been scrapped for workers who are not in high-risk settings. Here’s what you need to know.
The most common passwords in Australia have been revealed. Here are the passwords to avoid.
An emergency fund is a great way to cover those unexpected costs that crop up because life can be unexpected. You might lose your job, your car might need repairs or you might get hit with a big dental or medical bill. But despite the best of intentions 1 in 5 Australians say they don’t have any emergency savings to fall back on at all. So how do you build an emergency fund – and how much should you aim to save? In a perfect world experts say that you should have 6 months salary stashed away, but if this just isn’t realistic for you – then set something that is – after all something is better than nothing.
Drivers could be fined hundreds of dollars if they get caught out doing a common act. Here’s what you need to know.
A new report has outlined the devastating reality facing many Centrelink recipients as the cost of living soars. This is what you need to know.