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Gadget Makers Offer Voice Controls through Amazon's Alexa

by Associated Press

   LAS VEGAS --

   Amazon doesn't have an official presence at the CES gadget show in Las
   Vegas but its Alexa voice control software seems to be everywhere.
   Whirlpool is adding Alexa voice control to its suite of smart-home
   appliances, including a stove and refrigerator, launching in 2017.

   Jason Mathew, senior director of global connected strategy for
   Whirlpool, says voice is "the most natural way to interact with a
   product." Voice control lets people turn on an oven, for example, by
   saying, "Oven, pre-heat to 400 degrees."
   Other gadgets that include Alexa: Sensory and OnVocal are both
   launching headphones that incorporate Alexa. Simplehuman is announcing
   a voice-activated trash can. And GE Lighting is launching a table lamp
   that includes Alexa software.
   Amazon has an edge on the market for now because its software has been
   out longer, but Google's and Apple's systems are catching up. Mathew
   says "Amazon is the most mature, but we expect to offer other options
   in the future."