Voice Technology news and trends

T-Mobile Parent Developing a Voice-Activated AI Phone
Artificial Intelligence // March 04, 2025

T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telekom is developing an “AI Phone” that would embed generative artificial intelligence (AI) systemwide as its “virtual butler.” Users would simply talk to the phone to get it to do tasks, instead of switching between apps. “This is the future of AI...

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’s Alexa+ Reflects PYMNTS’ 2023 Insights on the Future of Voice Technology
Artificial Intelligence // February 27, 2025

With Alexa receiving a refresh on Wednesday (Feb. 26), it was interesting to revisit research published by PYMNTS in April 2023. A PYMNTS Intelligence report, “How Consumers Want to Live in the Voice Economy,” published nearly two years ago, predicted the growing impact of voice...

Amazon Unveils an Agentic, Smarter and More Capable Alexa+
Retail // 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...

Interviews & Exclusives
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 groups, particularly in areas like shopping, financial management and obtaining information. A PYMNTS Intelligence report, “Speaking Out: Zillennials Embrace Voice Technology Across Their Daily Lives,” comprising […]

No More Clicks: New AI Lets Consumers Shop Online With Voice Commands

December 05, 2024
A new research paper reveals artificial intelligence (AI) systems using large language models can now effectively control computer interfaces through natural interaction. These agents can autonomously navigate software, complete tasks...

Waiting for Alexa: When Will Amazon Strike Up the AI Conversation?

May 22, 2024
Someday — and it may be soon — conversations with Amazon’s automated voice assistant Alexa may cost money. Amazon has been clear about its intentions to charge a subscription for a tiered Alexa service...

Thirty Percent of US Millennials Use a Voice Assistant to Pay Bills

October 24, 2023
The Voice Economy is gaining momentum as consumers turn to voice technology for a variety of tasks.  The most common tasks performed with this technology include watching TV or playing...

Quick Reads
PayJunction and Twilio Team to Combat Manual Payment Slowdowns

July 08, 2025
Payments company PayJunction has launched an integration with customer engagement platform Twilio. The integration, announced Tuesday (July 8), lets PayJunction merchants deploy artificial intelligence (AI)-driven interactive voice response (IVR) solutions that securely process payments over the phone and do away with manual processes. “Merging Twilio’s innovative, customized experiences with PayJunction’s robust payment technology will equip businesses with the tools to […]

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 …...

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...

ElevenLabs Raises $180 Million to Make AI Audio ‘More Expressive and Controllable’

January 30, 2025
ElevenLabs raised $180 million in a Series C funding round to continue the development of its artificial intelligence (AI) audio technology that is used in content creation, customer support, gaming,...