Latest news with #AmazonAlexa
Stuff.tv
2 hours ago
- Stuff.tv
An updated Siri is coming, but it'll need to be brilliant to pull me from Google Gemini
A new iPhone 17 might be just around the corner (it's one of the most anticipated upcoming phones at the moment), but if you were hoping its debut would bring a massively improved Siri, you may have to wait. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's big Siri revamp won't arrive until next spring. The new version will tap into the company's 'App Intents' feature, allowing Siri to go far beyond the usual 'set a timer' or 'send a text' tasks. Instead, it'll be able to carry out more advanced actions inside apps, like commenting on an Instagram post, adding something to your Amazon cart, editing a specific photo, and even sending it, all through voice commands. Apple is currently testing App Intents across its own apps and several third-party platforms. That list reportedly includes AllTrails, Amazon, Facebook, Threads, Temu, Uber, WhatsApp, and YouTube. While the company is open to expanding support, banking apps and other services handling sensitive data might be left out entirely or have stricter controls in place. This all sounds promising, but the delay leaves Apple trailing its rivals. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa have offered deep app integration and more nuanced command handling for years. With ChatGPT, Gemini, and other generative AI tools now powering smarter voice assistants, Siri's 'spring 2026' upgrade may risk feeling like old news before it even launches. The wait also raises the question: why now? Apple has been under growing pressure to modernise Siri, with users increasingly frustrated by its limitations. The new iOS 18, launching alongside the iPhone 17, will bring some incremental Siri improvements, but the full app-integrated version is clearly the headline act – and that act is still many months from taking the stage. If Apple gets it right, the revamped Siri could finally deliver the hands-free, context-aware experience it has long promised. If it doesn't, it risks cementing its reputation as the least capable of the major voice assistants. For now, iPhone owners will have to make do with a Siri that's still better at setting alarms than managing your Instagram comments – and hope that, by next spring, Apple's voice assistant can finally catch up. Liked this? Google AI Mode is showing me the future of the internet – and I don't like it
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Popular apps collect excessive data — here's what to know and do
NEW YORK, Aug 10: In today's digital landscape, many apps collect extensive user data—sometimes far beyond what is necessary for their functionality. While certain apps, like weather services, require location information to provide relevant updates, others exploit permissions to gather excessive personal information, which may even be sold to third parties. Even casual users of Android devices may find their data is not as secure as assumed. Below is a list of popular apps known for collecting substantial personal data, along with suggestions for more privacy-conscious alternatives. 5. Google Chrome Google Chrome and numerous Google-related products are well-known for tracking user activities. Data collection is typically justified as a means to improve user experience via personalized ads and recommendations, using cookies and Google Analytics. A recommended alternative is the DuckDuckGo browser, which does not profile users or store search histories. DuckDuckGo also blocks third-party trackers. However, its search results may not match the depth and refinement of Google's search engine, which continually evolves its algorithms. Still, using DuckDuckGo can help reduce reliance on Google's extensive data collection. 4. Amazon Alexa Amazon Alexa devices listen for wake words and record voice commands. Recent changes removed the option to process recordings locally, requiring all voice data to be uploaded to Amazon's cloud for training the assistant. This raises privacy concerns about who might access the recordings and the sensitive information shared inadvertently. While alternatives like Siri and Google Assistant face similar challenges, open-source platforms such as Home Assistant provide more local control and respect for user privacy in home automation. 3. Facebook (Meta) Meta, the parent company of Facebook, collects extensive personal data, including chat histories, interactions, events, group memberships, profile details, and browsing history. This level of data retention can be unsettling for many users. Although switching away from Facebook can be difficult due to established social connections, some users opt to communicate through other platforms such as Google Messages, Samsung Messages, Discord, WhatsApp (with some limitations), Slack, and LinkedIn. Instagram, also owned by Meta, follows similar data collection practices. For visual content, Pinterest offers browsing with some privacy benefits, such as honoring the Do Not Track setting and allowing use without an account (albeit with limitations). 2. Uber Eats Uber Eats requires location data to function, but it also collects continuous location tracking in the background, purchase history, and interaction data. This information supports targeted advertising, personalized experiences, and internal marketing. Research indicates that Uber Eats shares 30% to 50% of collected data with third parties, depending on the platform. To minimize data sharing, consider using the Uber Eats website rather than the app. Alternative food delivery services also tend to collect significant data, even when transparent about it. 1. TikTok TikTok is widely known for its extensive data collection, which has prompted regulatory scrutiny and threats of bans in various countries. The platform collects location, device information, usage data, interactions, content created, and account details to personalize user experience and improve services. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, is reportedly developing a new app for the U.S. market to isolate American user data from its global systems. Despite these efforts, data collection remains fundamental to the platform's functionality. Competitors like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat Spotlight also collect user information to provide personalized recommendations. Using multiple platforms and limiting time spent on any single app can help reduce data exposure. One alternative to TikTok is Clapper, which offers curated content with fewer ads and restrictions to promote higher-quality viewing experiences. Privacy tips Finding apps that do not track users at all is extremely difficult. It is advisable to adjust privacy settings—such as opting out of personalized ads, using incognito modes, and deleting histories regularly—to reduce data collection. Avoid signing into accounts when unnecessary to limit data accumulation. Some users manage privacy by creating separate sub-accounts and diversifying app usage to prevent large amounts of data from being stored in one place.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
Wi-Fi users urged to move their router away from one common household item
Wi-Fi users urged to move their router away from one common household item If you're struggling with slow Wi-Fi speeds, then there might be one common household item to blame - and it could be sitting right next to your router While many people may not fully grasp how Wi-Fi operates, understanding where to place your router for optimal internet speeds and performance is crucial. (Image: Getty) Wi-Fi users have been advised to reposition their routers away from a particular household appliance to enhance their internet speeds. Slow Wi-Fi can be a nuisance, particularly when it disrupts streaming or hampers a day of working from home. While many people may not fully grasp how Wi-Fi operates, understanding where to place your router for optimal internet speeds and performance is crucial. Experts have identified certain devices that could interfere with your Wi-Fi router's performance, and one of them might be sitting right next to yours. You can find five tips to speed up your Wi-Fi here. The location of your router can significantly affect your Wi-Fi performance, so knowing where to place it for uninterrupted movie and TV show viewing, as well as delay-free work and browsing, is essential, according to For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here . Any device that utilises Bluetooth, such as a Bluetooth speaker, can greatly impact your Wi-Fi's performance at home, the experts warned. Bluetooth speakers are a common feature in contemporary British homes. Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home speakers utilise Bluetooth, as do other less expensive brands of speakers that play music and radio. Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi routers operate on similar radio frequencies. When these devices are positioned too closely together in your home, they can disrupt your Wi-Fi speeds by sharing the same frequency, as explained by home technology experts at Any device that utilises Bluetooth, such as a Bluetooth speaker, can greatly impact your Wi-Fi's performance at home, the experts warned. (Image: Getty) Brits frequently place certain household items in close proximity without realising the impact on their WiFi performance. Before considering a switch of providers or shelling out for pricier broadband, experts suggest relocating your router to boost internet speeds at home. The Institute of Physics describes Bluetooth as a "wireless system for connecting devices together such as computers and mobile phones when they are close to each other". Typically, one device, like a phone, acts as the "main unit" while another device, such as a Bluetooth speaker or wireless earphones, serves as the "peripheral". These gadgets pair using ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves. Brits frequently place certain household items in close proximity without realising the impact on their WiFi performance. (Image: Getty) Article continues below Wi-Fi operates similarly, using frequencies to deliver a wireless internet connection for your mobile phone, computer, or smart TV. Intriguingly, appliances like microwaves also utilise these frequencies and can disrupt your Wi-Fi's efficiency, so it's advisable to position your router away from this kitchen appliance to achieve optimal internet speeds.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Slow wifi? Speed it up instantly by moving the router away from popular gadget in your home
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COMMON household item is likely slowing down your internet right now. You will see an immediate improvement by simply moving your wifi router away. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Experts have advised against keepign your wifi router near a common household item (stock image) Credit: Getty Tech experts have urged wifi customers to take this quick step for instant results. Whether you're streaming your favourite shows or working from home, slow internet can be a killer. Thankfully, there may be a simple and completely free solution to this problem. It is important to know where you should place your router for the best internet speeds and performance. This includes keeping it clear of certain devices in your home, one of which is often stored directly beside your router. The placement of your router can greatly impact your wifi performance and according to it can play a vital role in guaranteeing uninterrupted browsing. Make the move So experts have warned against placing your router near any device that uses Bluetooth. Bluetooth devices such as an Amazon Alexa or a Google Home speaker are incredibly common in modern British households. They are often used as a subsitute for radios in some homes. However, Bluetooth devices and wifi routers use similar radio frequencies and when they are placed too close together in your home, this can cause interruptions to your Wi-Fi speeds. Is Someone Stealing Your Wi-Fi? How to Find Out and Stop Them This is because their close proximity means they will be sharing the same frequency. And Brits often keep these items close together, not realising how it is affecting their WiFi's performance. So before changing providers or upgrading to more expensive deals, consider moving your router to improve internet speeds in your home. Bluetooth explained The Institute of Physics explained Bluetooth as a "wireless system for connecting devices together such as computers and mobile phones when they are close to each other". One device, usually a phone, is the "main unit" while the other device, often a Bluetooth speaker or wireless earphones, is the "peripheral". Little-known objects that can disrupt your Wi-Fi People don't realise how many objects around the home can impact their Wi-Fi signal and slow things down. Here are some you may have missed. Microwaves (when they're running) Baby monitors Fish tanks Mirrors Bluetooth devices Cordless phones Image credit: Getty These devices are paired together using ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves. Wi-Fi works in similar ways, utilising frequencies to provide you with wireless internet connection when using your mobile phone, computer or smart TV. Devices such as microwaves also use such frequencies, meaning they too can interfere with how your Wi-Fi performs. So you may want to keep your router away from this kitchen appliance too. More on wifi And a map of the locations affected by an internet summer slowdown. Plus, Virgin Media customers have been warned of hidden "internet speed vampires" slowing down their wifi. Broadband users have also been told to look out for the sign their router may "need attention". And the five shockingly common objects in your home that are tanking your wifi. Plus, a major broadband provider has offered a huge wifi speed boost.
New York Times
2 days ago
- New York Times
Alexa Got an A.I. Brain Transplant. How Smart Is It Now?
For the last few years, I've been waiting for Alexa's A.I. glow-up. I've been a loyal user of Alexa, the voice assistant that powers Amazon's home devices and smart speakers, for more than a decade. I have five Alexa-enabled speakers scattered throughout my house, and while I don't use them for anything complicated — playing music, setting timers and getting the weather forecast are basically it — they're good at what they do. But since 2023, when ChatGPT added an A.I. voice mode that could answer questions in a fluid, conversational way, it has been obvious that Alexa would need a brain transplant — a new A.I. system built around the same large language models, or L.L.M.s, that power ChatGPT and other products. L.L.M.-based systems are smarter and more versatile than older systems. They can handle more complex requests, making them an obvious pick for a next-generation voice assistant. Amazon agrees. For the last few years, the company has been working feverishly to upgrade the A.I. inside Alexa. It has been a slog. Replacing the A.I. technology inside a voice assistant isn't as easy as swapping in a new model, and the Alexa remodel was reportedly delayed by internal struggles and technical challenges along the way. L.L.M.s also aren't a perfect match for this kind of product, which not only needs to work with tons of pre-existing services and millions of Alexa-enabled devices, but also needs to reliably perform basic tasks. But finally, the new Alexa — known as Alexa+ — is here. It's a big, ambitious remodel that is trying to marry the conversational skills of generative A.I. chatbots with the daily tasks that the old Alexa did well. Alexa+, which has been available to testers through an early-access program for a few months, is now being rolled out more widely. I got it last week after I bought a compatible device (the Echo Show 8, which has an eight-inch screen) and enrolled in the upgraded version. (Prime members will get Alexa+ at no cost, while non-Prime members will have to pay $19.99 per month.) Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
