Tag: Alexa
Female-voiced AI assistants reinforce gender bias, claims UN study
AI virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant reinforce gender stereotypes which portray women as “subservient” by relying on female voices, a UN report has said. The UNESCO paper criticised voice-powered digital speakers and devices for making it appear that women are “obliging, docile and eager-to-please helpers, available at the touch of a button…
Amazon confirms it does ‘listen to what users say to Alexa’ for training purposes
I don't think it will come as a great surprise to many of us. But Amazon has confirmed its staff do listen to recordings of customer interactions with voice-based assistant Alexa to 'help train the artificial intelligence’s responses'. The tech giant uses review teams around the world to analyse and annotate some recordings gathered from…
Alexa reveals Idris Elba is her celebrity Valentine’s Day crush
Digital voice-powered assistant Alexa has revealed that Luther actor Idris Elba is her celebrity crush, ahead of Valentine’s Day tomorrow. Alexa makes the confession to users whenever asked, “Alexa, who is your celebrity crush?” “I think Idris Elba and I would pair up quite nicely,” Alexa responds. “He’s a DJ, and I play music for…
Robots and AI will give doctors more time with patients, claims NHS report
Robots, artificial intelligence and smart speakers will unburden doctors to give them more time with patients, according to an NHS report on the pending technological “revolution” in healthcare. Rapid advances will also be spurred on by developments in the ability to sequence individuals’ genomes, the entirety of their genetic data, according to the “groundbreaking” review…
Amazon reports 20% growth as Jeff Bezos hails Alexa
Amazon reported a rise in revenue and profits for the last quarter, as the tech giant published its latest set of financial results. For the three months up to December 31, the e-commerce firm said net sales were up by 20% on this time last year, rising from 60.5 billion US dollars (£46.1 billion) to…
Amazon’s Alexa can now help NFL newbies understand the American sport
Image: Press Association Anyone new to NFL need not watch in confusion, as an Alexa skill has been added to provide insight into one of America’s favourite sports. For those who have wondered what “move the chains” means or how tall quarterback Aaron Rodgers is, the Rookie’s Guide to the…
Halfords to sell ‘world’s first’ connected smart bike with Amazon Alexa
Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant is continuing to move beyond the speaker and on to two wheels for the first time, with the launch of a new connected smart bike in the UK. The Cybic Legend will allow riders to ask Alexa anything as they cycle - from traffic updates to directions. “Adding Alexa functionality expands…
Amazon Alexa user given access to stranger’s conversations
A user of Amazon’s Alexa smart voice assistant was sent audio files from a stranger after requesting access to his own recordings. According to a report in German technology magazine C’t, the user – who is based in Germany – made a request to Amazon under the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to access…
These were the Top 10 Most-Viewed Ads on YouTube this year
Image: Press Association A star-studded Amazon advert was top of the charts, with Nike’s controversial campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick at number 4.... YouTube has released a rundown of the 10 most-viewed adverts of 2018, with a star-studded campaign for Amazon’s Alexa coming out on top. The Alexa Loses Her Voice…
Alexa can now be used hands-free on the Amazon Music app
Alexa is widening its reach even further by working on the Amazon Music app, meaning users can request tracks hands-free. The feature has been made available to users in the UK on Android and iOS for the first time, as Amazon continues to integrate the digital voice-powered assistant into more of its products. With the…
