Amazon’s Alexa now available through KT’s smart speaker GiGA Genie

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Amazon’s Alexa now available through KT’s smart speaker GiGA Genie

Published: 10 Feb. 2022, 12:08 Updated: 10 Feb. 2022, 17:29

Models promote the GiGA Genie smart speaker, which users can now use to access services from Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. [KT]

Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa is now available through KT’s smart speaker GiGA Genie.

KT announced Thursday it developed the so-called “GiGA Genie Dual Brain AI,” meaning two digital voice assistants — Alexa and GiGA Genie — can be accessed from its smart speaker also called the GiGA Genie.

People using the most recent GiGA Genie 3 model can use Alexa starting today. The new addition doesn’t require a software update — users just have to connect their Amazon account.

Using the wake-up word “Hey, Alexa” will initiate Alexa’s services and calling “Genie” or “GiGA Genie” will switch to KT’s voice assistant.

Alexa can understand and reply only in English.

Alexa's response is shown on the TV screen. [KT]

The collaboration follows KT's participation in Amazon’s Voice Interoperability Initiative since May last year. Various companies such as Facebook, Intel and Qualcomm are part of the program, working together to develop voice-enabled products and other required systems.

TuneIn, an audio streaming service available on Alexa-enabled devices, will be offered on KT’s GiGA Genie. Users can also listen to English news provided by CNN and Fox News and enjoy audio content on Amazon’s Audible among others.

Controlling Dyson home appliances such as its fans and robot vacuum cleaners will be possible as well.

KT plans to allow users to access paid services, such as music streaming service Spotify, on GiGA Genie through Alexa in the future.

“Starting with the GiGA Genie Dual Brain AI service, KT will continue to expand partnerships and services with Amazon,” said Choi Joon-ki, head of KT’s AI/BigData division.

People who have the GiGA Genie 1 and 2 will be able to access Alexa and connected services by first half of this year.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]