voice-activated

BetaBeacon
May 29, 2025
New functionality is coming to Android Auto, including video playback and web browsing, but these features will only be accessible when the car is parked. Video playback will only work on supported apps and compatible cars, and the user's phone needs to be running Android 16. Game play support is available for beta testers, but it is unclear when these features will be available to the general public. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS already have access to video playback, with audio-only playback while driving coming soon. Google Gemini, a voice-activated AI search assistant, will replace Google Assistant in the coming months. Weather apps are now approved for Android Auto.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Microsoft is rolling out a hands-free feature for its Copilot Voice application on Windows 11, allowing users to start conversations by saying “Hey Copilot!” Beta testers, known as Windows Insiders, can activate this feature within the updated app. Users need to enable the feature to respond to the wake word, and the rollout is gradual, with availability to testers worldwide who have set their display language to English. Eligibility requires the Copilot app version to be 1.25051.10.0 or higher. Once activated, a microphone icon will appear, and the feature uses an on-device wake word spotter with a 10-second audio buffer, ensuring audio clips are not sent to the cloud or stored locally. Full functionality requires online access for cloud processing.
Winsage
March 12, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a voice conversation feature in its Copilot application for Windows Insiders, activated by holding down the Alt + Spacebar for two seconds. This update allows users to interact with the AI assistant vocally, asking questions and receiving responses without typing. The microphone icon appears on the screen during the voice chat, and it disappears after a few seconds of silence. This functionality is part of Microsoft's effort to enhance user interaction and productivity in work environments. The Copilot app has transitioned from a web-based application to a more integrated native experience. Previously, users activated Copilot using the Windows + C shortcut, but the new Alt + Spacebar combination was chosen for universal accessibility.
Winsage
March 11, 2025
Cortana has been reintroduced as Copilot, which allows voice interaction through a hotkey. The Copilot update features voice commands and a microphone icon, aiming to enhance productivity in Windows 11. Users can engage with Copilot by holding the Alt + Spacebar for two seconds and can end the conversation by pressing the Esc key. Unlike Cortana, Copilot does not permit users to adjust system settings via voice commands; instead, it directs users to the Copilot app for interaction.
AppWizard
March 8, 2025
Google is developing temperature controls for Android Auto, with internal code indicating potential settings for high, low, and off. This feature is part of the Android Auto 13.9 beta update, which also included bug fixes and minor language adjustments. The integration of temperature controls may work alongside Android Auto's upcoming Gemini features, which include voice-activated music playback and basic trip planning.
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