Amazon is reportedly working on a set of Alexa-powered headphones that will respond to your vocal commands – as well as those of other people.
The online retail giant has a bit of a breakout hit on its hands with the Amazon Echo, a smart bluetooth speaker that also acts as a home assistant. Now reports suggest that it’s looking to bring Echo’s Alexa assistant software to a range of new form factors.
One of those form factors will be a set of smart headphones, according to a recently revealed US patent application. However, the application of the Alexa technology could be a little different.
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As highlighted by The Guardian, Amazon has outlined a set of noise-cancelling headphones that will listen out for key words spoken by those around you. In that way, the headphones could temporarily pause the noise cancellation process when it hears someone say your name, or some other key phrase.
That interruption could also come via the activation of another electronic device, such as a door bell. Amazon really doesn’t want you to miss its deliveries, it seems.
Of course, the presence of these new tricks doesn’t preclude Amazon from implementing the full Alexa assistant as well.
This being a patent application, we won’t be holding our breath for a final product. But it’s interesting to ponder how Amazon is looking to branch out with its Alexa technology in new and unexpected ways.
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Would you be interested in an Alexa-powered set of headphones, or is it all about the sound quality? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.