Voice Assistants news and trends

Apple’s Siri: Once a Pioneer, Now an AI Laggard
Apple // March 20, 2025

When Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Siri, debuted in 2011, it was revolutionary for giving users the ability to “talk” to their smartphone. Siri’s capabilities were made possible by machine learning, which was state of the art at the time. Today, Siri lags behind competitors...

Amazon Plans to Release ‘Constellation’ of AI-Powered Devices
artificial intelligence // March 04, 2025

After launching a new version of Alexa dubbed Alexa+ last week, Amazon is reportedly preparing to release a “constellation” of devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI). “You can imagine … a constellation of devices that has to come together to make it a better experience,”...

Amazon Unveils an Agentic, Smarter and More Capable Alexa+
Alexa // February 26, 2025

Amazon took the wraps off a revamped Alexa that is infused with generative artificial intelligence (AI) to be more capable, conversational and agentic than the old version. Called Alexa+, it can order groceries, call an Uber, find and book a repairman and other activities, the...

68% of Zillennials Use Voice Technology for Daily Tasks
artificial intelligence // February 24, 2025

Zillennials — those born between 1991 and 1999 — are using voice technology to simplify daily tasks and manage disruptions. This microgeneration uses voice assistants more frequently than older age groups, particularly in areas like shopping, financial management and obtaining information. A PYMNTS Intelligence report, “Speaking...

Interviews & Exclusives
63% Adoption Rate Shows GenAI Enthusiasm Among Younger Consumers

April 08, 2025
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is gaining traction among U.S. consumers across all age groups, according to a new PYMNTS Intelligence report, even as enthusiasm cools for voice assistants. The study, titled “GenAI and Voice Assistants: Adoption and Trust Across Generations,” reveals changing consumer preferences concerning GenAI indicating a shift toward newer technologies while trust in […]

Apple’s Siri: Once a Pioneer, Now an AI Laggard

March 20, 2025
When Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Siri, debuted in 2011, it was revolutionary for giving users the ability to “talk” to their smartphone. Siri’s capabilities were made possible by machine...

68% of Zillennials Use Voice Technology for Daily Tasks

February 24, 2025
Zillennials — those born between 1991 and 1999 — are using voice technology to simplify daily tasks and manage disruptions. This microgeneration uses voice assistants more frequently than older age...

60% of Consumers Use Voice Assistants

February 14, 2025
Younger generations are drawn to the rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology. At the same time, excitement around voice assistants, once heralded as the next big thing, is cooling...

Quick Reads
Amazon Plans to Release ‘Constellation’ of AI-Powered Devices

March 04, 2025
After launching a new version of Alexa dubbed Alexa+ last week, Amazon is reportedly preparing to release a “constellation” of devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI). “You can imagine … a constellation of devices that has to come together to make it a better experience,” Panos Panay, head of Amazon’s devices and services business, told […]

Stellantis and Mistral AI to Develop AI-Powered In-Car Assistant

February 07, 2025
An AI-powered in-car assistant for drivers is the latest of several initiatives being explored in an expanded partnership between automaker Stellantis and Mistral AI. The companies are developing the in-car...

Report: Amazon to Introduce GenAI-Powered Alexa on Feb. 26

February 05, 2025
Amazon is reportedly set to introduce a new, generative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered version of its Alexa voice assistant. The company sent out invitations to a Feb. 26 event featuring the...

Report: Apple Aims to Increase Siri’s Capabilities With Advanced LLMs

November 22, 2024
Apple reportedly is working to make its Siri voice assistant more conversational with the addition of more advanced large language models (LLMs). The company plans to enable a new version...