Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds' update brings Amazon Alexa support

Sony has released a firmware update for its pair of WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds that brings with it support for Amazon's Alexa assistant. The buds already support Google Assistant, but now you have the option to use Amazon's if you want to. Version 2.02 update also brings with it volume control as well as visible battery level for the charging case on the Sony Headphones Connect app. The caveat is you can only set one function to use with the earbuds. So you can either have the noise cancellation toggle, digital assistant access, volume control, or playback option. The app is also where you can download the firmware update. It's available on both Android and iOS.

Source: Engadget

You can apply for a job with McDonald's using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa

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Here's one more thing you can do with your virtual assistant: try and get a job at McDonald's. McDonald's Canada will let you use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to start applying for a job at the company. You just need to say the hotword "Alexa" or "Hey Google" and then add "help me get a job at McDonald's." The virtual assistant will then ask you a series of short questions about your location and the ideal position you want to apply for. You will then be sent a link via text to proceed with the application process. This feature is accessible on Amazon and Google smart devices as well as through the respective apps on your phone. The voice-initiated process is available in both English and French.

Source: MobileSyrup

Alexa owners in the US get access to free, ad-supported Amazon Music

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Amazon Music is coming to more users in the US, specifically those with Alexa devices. These device owners can listen to a limited number of top playlists and stations on Amazon Music for free. It is similar to what Amazon Prime subscribers get access to for free. They don’t need to be Amazon Prime subscribers. You can ask Alexa to play music by creating stations based on a song, era, genre, or artist. Or have the voice assistant queue popular global playlists on Amazon Music. If you want access to Amazon Music Unlimited, you’ll need to subscribe to the paid premium tier, which gives you access to over 50 million songs. Amazon is leveraging the popularity of its smart speakers to get more users to use its services—especially since it doesn’t come at an additional cost. This just might entice listeners away from third-party services that Amazon speakers support (like Spotify and Apple Music).

Source: Engadget

Alexa can control Apple Music on Sonos speakers in a handful of countries

Unfortunately, we aren’t included there yet. But listeners in the US, the UK, and Ireland can now use Alexa to control Apple Music on their Sonos speakers, specifically the Sonos One, Beam, or Echo devices. You need to enable the Apple Music skill on the Alexa app and link your account. And if you can’t set the service as your default, you will have to add the words “on Apple Music” to your requests.