BMW is going to build an Alexa-based custom voice assistant

BMW cars already have support for Amazon's Alexa. But the carmaker wants to take things a step further by building its own custom voice assistant based on Amazon's Alexa core technology. This upcoming voice assistant will be built using Amazon's Alexa Custom Assistant. It's a service that allows automakers and device manufacturers to create their own digital assistants using Amazon's tech.

This service will allow BMW to create its customized wake words, voices, and capabilities with Alexa as the base. BMW hopes it can "enable an even more natural dialogue between driver and vehicle." This is critical for ensuring the voice assistant reduces distractions for drivers since it can help with things like finding directions, changing music, or even adjusting the heating or cooling in the cars. BMW aims to roll out its custom-built voice assistant within the next couple of years.

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An Amazon Alexa feature can mimic the voice of your dead relatives

Here's one Amazon Alexa feature I don't think I'll ever want to try. Amazon is experimenting with its AI assistant to let it mimic the voices of users' dead relatives. The company demoed it recently during its MARS conference, where they showed a video of a child asking Alexa to read a bedtime story in the voice of his dead grandmother.

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Nothing ear (1) adds Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa support

Source: 9to5Google

Nothing backtracks on its initial statements, saying it wouldn't add virtual voice assistant support to its ear (1) earbuds. The company released an update that brings Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple's Siri to the earbuds. To call the assistant of your choice, you need to triple tap on the earbuds.

The update comes through firmware version 0.6700.1.86, but 9to5Google reports that the earbuds often miss the third tap. The site recommends deleting and re-installing the ear (1) app to get the feature to work. Or you can choose to unlink and re-pair your earbuds to get rid of any lingering issues.

Disneyland to get the Alexa-based 'Hey, Disney' voice assistant in 2022

If you find yourself at a Disneyland Hotel in 2022, you'll be able to use the "Hey, Disney" prompt in your hotel room as the voice assistant will work alongside Alexa, courtesy of the in-room Echo speakers. It can handle requests involving amenities or tell stories or jokes.

The theme park is also getting the MagicBand+ next year. These smart wristbands will allow you to enter the park, make purchases, and, basically, go touch-free in many areas in the park. You can even use it to improve the experience in specific areas through lights, gesture controls, and haptic feedback.

Source: Engadget