Tag: Amazon Alexa

  • Divij Sharma swaps Alexa for Prime Video, joins as head of engagement

    Divij Sharma swaps Alexa for Prime Video, joins as head of engagement

    MUMBAI: Divij Sharma, Amazon’s digital dynamo, is making a grand entrance onto the Prime Video stage, leaving behind the dulcet tones of Alexa to take up the mantle of head of engagement. After an 11-year odyssey through Amazon’s Indian ecosystem, from marketplace to Amazon Pay and Alexa, Sharma is now set to weave his magic on Prime Video’s content kingdom.

    ” These ongoing ~11 years at Amazon have been an incredible journey of building and scaling breakthrough digital products & services in India,” quipped Sharma, clearly buzzing with his new gig. “And now, it’s time to bring that experience to Prime Video, crafting experiences that’ll keep viewers glued to their screens.”

    Sharma’s Amazonian adventure saw him spearhead Alexa’s Indian charge, conjuring up voice shopping and celebrity partnerships while serenading millions across Echo, Fire TV, and a plethora of partner devices. His CV reads like a tech-savvy fairytale, sprinkled with data-driven fairy dust and a dash of entrepreneurial swagger.

    Before his Alexa journey, Sharma cut his teeth at McKinsey & Company, where he conjured up project management modules and data models for corporate titans. He’s a self-confessed data junkie, with a knack for turning complex tech into consumer gold.

    His mission? To amplify Prime Video’s diverse content portfolio, turning casual viewers into die-hard devotees. With a blend of strategic vision and execution prowess, Sharma is poised to orchestrate a viewership symphony.

  • Digital2Sports partners with Amazon Alexa to bring live commentary of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022

    Digital2Sports partners with Amazon Alexa to bring live commentary of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022

    Mumbai: Digital2Sports, a joint venture between One Digital Entertainment and Channel2Group, has partnered with Amazon’s Alexa voice service as an official audio rights partner of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

    All India matches and knockout matches will have free live audio commentary available in English and Hindi by simply saying “Alexa, start commentary” on any Alexa-enabled device, including Echo smart speakers, Fire TV, the Alexa mobile app, and the Amazon shopping app (Android).

    One Digital Entertainment, one of the top digital media companies in Asia, teamed up with the UAE-based broadcaster Channel 2 Corporation last year to invest in Singapore’s Digital2 Sports Pte Ltd., a provider of interactive sports content. With this collaboration, One Digital Entertainment enters a new phase of the world’s sports investment market. In accordance with this agreement, Digital2Sports obtained the exclusive audio rights for all ICC tournaments, including the Asia Cup 2022 and the IPL 2020/2021-2022 for some markets and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, Women’s T20 World Cup 2021, ICC Champions Trophy, and ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 for all global territories. 

    One Digital Entertainment co-founder Gurpreet Singh said, “As a multi-platform brand, Digital2Sports’ DNA is interaction and innovation with sports content at all touch points with the consumer. Being present on Alexa, enabled by just a voice command, is a true extension of our brand, and we are excited about the possibilities that this era of such new-age consumption brings with it.”

    Talking about this development, Amazon India Alexa country manager Dilip R. S. said, “Customers love asking Alexa about cricket. We are excited to have live cricket commentary available on Alexa during the ongoing cricket season. With just a voice command, users can stay updated on India’s matches and also conveniently listen on the go via the Alexa app on their smartphones or the Amazon shopping app for Android. This gives us yet another opportunity to delight our users and offer a skill that will be useful for them.”

    Digital2Sports focuses on developing interactive content formats by bringing together sports personalities and fans from around the world on a single platform and through live audio and podcast presentations. Digital2 Sports collaborates with OneDigital Entertainment to bring together digital platforms, content creators, and brands to create diverse content opportunities that include not only live commentary of cricket matches, but also various on-demand podcasts hosted by various cricketers, digital influencers, and celebrities. Digital2 Sports is committed to playing a key role in developing strategic content opportunities on the global sports stage and paving the way for its peers in the future.

  • IPL 2022: Amazon Alexa unveils new feature of live commentary

    IPL 2022: Amazon Alexa unveils new feature of live commentary

    Mumbai: With IPL 2022 happening in full swing, cricket fever is on everyone’s mind. Amazon Alexa too joined the fervour with a new feature of live commentary. Users can ask a variety of questions to Alexa about live match updates.

    From match schedules to information about the participating teams and player stats, Alexa has answers to all of these questions and more. Here are a few things that you can ask Alexa:

    Participating teams

    With the shuffle in the players and the addition of new teams, it really becomes difficult to keep track of who is playing for which team this season. Well, worry not, Alexa’s got you. Just say, “Alexa, what teams are playing tomorrow?” or ask “Alexa, who is the captain of RCB?” and you will have this information delivered to you within seconds.

    Match schedule

    Keeping a track of your favorite team’s match schedule just got easier. A simple “Alexa, चेन्नई का मैच कब है” or “Alexa, Mumbai Indians match schedule” will ensure that you never miss watching your favorite team in action.

    Team and player stats

    It is always nice to have the stats of your favorite team and players handy to help you understand and predict the game better. Just ask, “Alexa, what is KKR’s rank?”, “Alexa, CSK का highest total क्या है?”, “Alexa, विराट कोहली ने कितने रन बनाए?” and your questions will be answered.

    Live Match details

    To get live updates of the match, just ask “Alexa, who won the toss?”, “Alexa, what is the score?” or “Alexa, क्रिकेट स्कोर बताओ.” If you are looking for the score of a specific team, then try “Alexa, what is Mumbai’s score?” or “Alexa, दिल्ली Capitals का score क्या है?”

    Post-match details

    Once the match is complete you can ask your Alexa Built-in device for information about the man of the match and the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker. Just say “Alexa, who was the man of the match?” or “Alexa, सबसे ज़्यादा wicket किस player ने लिए?” to know more.

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  • India Today teams up with Amazon Alexa for UP elections coverage

    India Today teams up with Amazon Alexa for UP elections coverage

    Mumbai: Fight for political supremacy in the Hindi heartland of Uttar Pradesh is one of the most anticipated events in India’s political calendar. With all eyes glued to this political fervour unfolding ahead of the counting day, India Today has joined hands with Amazon Alexa to deliver election broadcast in the digital arena.

    The alliance puts the focus on delivering insightful analysis and updates through three special episodes of flagship show called “Trigger Point” hosted by Preeti Chaudhary.

    “As the seven phases of polling nearly comes to an end and exit polls being around the corner, this unique content partnership comes at the crucial juncture in the most anticipated political festival of Hindi speaking belt of India – Uttar Pradesh elections,” said the broadcaster in a statement.

  • Network18 launches 16 new Amazon Alexa Skills with Live News Experience

    Network18 launches 16 new Amazon Alexa Skills with Live News Experience

    Network18, India’s leading news network announces the launch of  16 new Alexa Skills across 12 languages for users of Amazon Echo and Alexa built-in devices. As part of the launch, users will get access to live news from Network18’s top channels- CNN-News18 and News18 India, along with their regional TV channels in Hindi, Gujarati, Bangla, Marathi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Assamese, Punjabi, Odia and Urdu.

    These skills will provide a seamless experience to users who want to stay updated with live news by using simple voice commands. Users can just say, “Alexa, Play CNN-News18”, “Alexa, Play News18 Tamil” or “Alexa, Play News18 Kannada” to listen to the latest news in the language of their choice. These new skills will be available in audio and video formats for both screen devices like Echo Show range and FTV as well as all other Echo and Alexa built-in devices. 

    Commenting on the development, Mitul Sangani, COO – General News, Network18 Digital said, “We, have always believed in creating content based on deep consumer insights that resonate with the audience. This is the time for us to leverage the repertoire of content and expertise we have built over the years. As the leading destination for regional language news, the onus lies on us to reach out to existing and new audiences on devices that are fast becoming the go-to medium of content consumption. Such launches expand our footprint amongst audiences and showcases that the brand is at the forefront of digital innovation. We are happy that the launch of these 16 new Alexa skills will provide a seamless experience to our audience who want to stay in touch with live news by just using their voice.” 

    Dilip R.S., Country Manager, Alexa Skills and Voice Services, Amazon India said, “We are excited to see Network18 launch 16 new Alexa skills. Asking for information via voice is more intuitive than typing and reading through the articles. With the News18 Skills, users will be able to get 24×7 live news updates in the language of their choice. We are sure users will enjoy the convenience of using simple voice commands to ask Alexa for live news and stay updated about important and relevant news in their favourite languages.” 

    Network18 is India’s largest TV network with the broadest spectrum of text & video content across 15 languages and 20 TV channels. Online 24×7, News18 is powered by not just journalists but also Network18's team of over 1,000 news professionals.

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  • Here’s how Amazon Alexa is celebrating love this Valentine’s Day

    Here’s how Amazon Alexa is celebrating love this Valentine’s Day

    MUMBAI: It’s that time of the year again when there’s a certain magic in the air. When everything takes a little more colour, looks a little prettier, and sounds a bit sweeter. To be in love like that, knows no boundaries; be that of colour, community, age, or gender.

    This Valentine’s Day, Amazon Alexa decides to stand with love – love of all, for all. A special video featured the real-life couple- renowned fashion designer Suneet Verma and his partner Rahul Arora celebrating their love. The video shows Suneet setting up for a perfect date night at home, to surprise Rahul, with a little help from Alexa. From ordering flowers and cakes to helping with recipes, Alexa has Suneet’s back to make the day special.

    With their busy schedules, couples these days find it increasingly difficult to steal special moments together. The video showcases how a little help from Alexa can make their Valentine’s Day a memorable occasion.

    As Alexa continues to make inroads into the hearts and homes of Indians, here is Amazon Alexa’s Valentines’ Day campaign – painting the town red with a love that’s boundless!

  • d2h skill introduced on Amazon Alexa in India

    d2h skill introduced on Amazon Alexa in India

    MUMBAI: With an aim to further enhance the TV viewing experience for its d2h customers, Dish TV India Limited, the world’s largest single-country DTH Company has launched a Skill for Amazon Alexa in India. Say, “Alexa, enable d2h” and start using the skill to explore a vast world of entertainment, discover movies, sports and music, using only your voice.

    d2h skill will allow subscribers to use voice commands through Alexa to surf a wide range of content and get  up-to-date information of their d2h account. With d2h skill, subscribers will be able to set reminders for their favorite programs, get recommendations on trending programs, access to d2h account details, register ‘call me’ request, do basic trouble shooting and lot more though Alexa enabled devices.

    Highlighting benefits of d2h skill for Alexa, Mr. Anil Dua, Executive Director & Group CEO, Dish TV India Limited, said, "Voice enabled search and information access is the cutting edge of home entertainment today. We are excited to bring the convenience of voice control with Alexa for our d2h customers. This launch reaffirms our commitment of always offering the latest and the most relevant technology to our d2h customers to make their viewing experience world class.”

    The d2h Alexa skill can be used by anyone with an Amazon Echo smart speaker or other devices such as headphones and speakers with Alexa built-in. The skill can also be accessed through the Alexa app available on iOS and Android. With more functionality and additional features in the pipeline, customers will be able to do much more through the d2h skill.

    "Using voice commands with Alexa to access entertainment and control smart home is like a magical experience. Many customers share that they enjoy the simplicity and ease of getting all kinds of entertainment, from videos, music to games, by just asking Alexa" said Dilip R.S., Country Manager for Alexa Skills and Voice Services, Amazon India. "The television is usually the centerpiece of common areas at home where families come together. We are extremely happy to see Dish TV India embrace voice technology for enriching the TV viewing experience with the d2h Alexa skill".

    Furthermore, d2h subscribers can link their account and access information such as current balance, switch-off date and monthly recharge amount, using a selection of prompts to initiate the Alexa skill for d2h.

  • Google Assistant becomes bilingual

    Google Assistant becomes bilingual

    MUMBAI: Google keeps dominating the tech scene across world with constant upgradation of its features. The tech giant has announced that it will now be able to understand and speak more than one language at a time.

    Users can now speak two languages interchangeably with the Assistant on smart speakers and phones. This move is a part of Google’s multi-year effort to make user-Assistant conversations more natural.

    “Currently, the Assistant can understand any pair of languages within English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. We’ll be expanding to more languages in the coming months,” the company said. It is also aiming to make Assistant trilingual in the future.

    In US market, Google’s Home speakers lag behind Amazon.com’s Echo speakers with roughly 27 percent of the market as compared with Amazon’s 41 percent. But according to analysts, the scene is different internationally as Amazon doesn’t have the same brand recognition outside of the United States.

    “We hope multilingual will encourage more use of the Assistant in bilingual homes, thus helping us continue to improve our training models,” Google  said as quoted by The Washington Post.

  • Global OTT subs to cross 265 mn by ’22: Park Associates

    Global OTT subs to cross 265 mn by ’22: Park Associates

    MUMBAI: The number of households worldwide with an OTT video service subscription will exceed 265 million by 2022. The popularity of over-the-top (OTT) video services, such as Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu has driven a steady increase in adoption of smart TVs and streaming media players since 2010, according to `Global Connected Living Outlook: Expanding IoT Momentum’ by Park Associates’.

    “Fifty-three percent of the US broadband households own a smart TV, and both smart TVs and streaming media players are continually improving the user experience to accommodate the shifting habits of consumers, including integration with voice-based digital assistant ecosystems,” said Kristen Hanich, Parks Associates’ research analyst.

    “The rise of these digital assistants is another key trend over the last few years, with Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, and Samsung Bixby, among others, now on the market. Both smart home and connected entertainment developers are working to integrate this functionality into their products,” Hanich was quoted in an official statement put out by Park Associates.

    The `Global Connected Living Outlook: Expanding IoT Momentum’ provides a comprehensive overview and assessment of the markets serving consumers’ connected lifestyle. The report identifies key trends and market developments in service categories, including broadband, television and video, digital content, residential security, home energy management, home support services, and connected health and wellness, as well as connected consumer product categories, including home networks, smart home devices, and connected consumer electronics.

    The report identifies key companies to watch in each product category and includes five-year forecasts for select product categories.

    The global study reveals that consumers now own an average of 8.6 connected CE products in their home, an 87 per cent growth in the average volume of devices since 2010. Some of the highlights of the report are the following:

    More than 70 per cent of the US broadband households have an internet-connected entertainment device.
    17 per cent own both a smart home device and an internet-connected entertainment device.
    Parks Associates estimates over 265 million households worldwide will have a total of more than 400 million OTT video service subscriptions by the end of 2022.

    “With IoT expansion comes added expectations of interoperability,” said Park Associates Research Quality & Product Development director Jennifer Kent, adding, “Consumers prioritize general device interoperability over staying within a specific brand ecosystem when considering a purchase; three-fourths of consumers find it important to consider any smart home product brand that will work with other products in their home and 49 per cent find this very important.”

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    Regional OTT content more than just catch-up TV    

    OTT platforms discuss need for regulation

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