Samsung’s new TVs get Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support

So, Samsung is trying to bring more value to its new TVs. On top of its support for iTunes and AirPlay 2, Samsung is also bringing support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. But there’s a caveat to this. The new TVs will respond to voice commands from these two digital assistants through Alexa- and Google Assistant-powered smart speakers. The built-in voice assistant and one you can talk to through the remote will still be Samsung’s Bixby Assistant. The commands it can execute is rudimentary at the moment. Using Google Assistant or Alexa, you’ll be able to turn on the TV, change channels and volume, or switch between inputs. There’s no word yet if richer features are coming, but Samsung should update us if they are bringing more.

Source: Engadget

‘Human error’ gives Amazon Alexa user access to another user’s voice recordings

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One Amazon Alexa user in Germany requested access to his activities on the service but he got more than he bargained for. The customer got access to thousands of recordings from another Amazon Alexa user. Amazon claims this happened because of “a human error” made by the company and is an isolated case. The customer was able to access and download 1,700 audio files from a stranger when Amazon sent him a link for his information. What can you glean from these recordings? A lot, apparently. The German trade publication c’t was able to contact the user who had his files shared by just listening to the recordings.

According to c’t, the first customer didn’t get a reply to Amazon initially when he raised the issue but then the files were deleted from the link provided. However, as we mentioned, he already downloaded the files. An Amazon spokesman said they’ve resolved the issue with the two customers involved and “took measures to further optimize our processes.” The company also contacted “relevant authorities” about the matter.

Source: Reuters

Amazon Fire TV gets SEGA Classics games

If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic and want to play some classic SEGA games, all you need is an Amazon Fire TV and you’re good to go. Amazon just launched the SEGA Classics bundle, which includes 25 of the most popular games on the SEGA Genesis platform like Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, The Revenge of Shinobi, to name a few. Fire TV customers just need their remotes or use a compatible Bluetooth controller. Get in on the family fun as there are 15 multiplayer games included in this bundle. The SEGA Classics bundle goes for $19.99.

Amazon breaks records during Black Friday-Cyber Monday weekend

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It’s been a busy shopping weekend and Amazon seems to have reaped its rewards. Cyber Monday was once again the company’s biggest shopping day, selling more products than it has any other day of the year. Globally, shoppers were said to have purchased a “record number” of Amazon devices with customers ordering over 18 million toys and more than 13 million fashion items on during both Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. Small and medium-sized businesses on the site grew over 20 percent on Black Friday year-on-year.

What did the Canadians shop for over the weekend? The all-new Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick 4K with all-new Alexa Voice Remote, L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls Holiday Series Surprise, and Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker - 6 Quart are the best-selling products across Amazon.ca. On Cyber Monday, Canadians took advantage of deals on AncestryDNA: Genetic Testing Ethnicity and the Nintendo Switch Console was a top-selling item.