disney unveil new alexa-like assistant
'Hey, Disney!': Amazon and Disney unveil new Alexa-like assistant
Alexa is getting some company. Amazon and Disney have unveiled an "entirely new persona" called "Hey, Disney!" "It marks the first time that we're making another voice assistant available alongside Alexa on Echo devices," Aaron Rubenson, Amazon's vice president of Alexa Voice Service & Alexa Skills told USA TODAY ahead of Tuesday's announcement. "Hey, Disney!" will be available both in-room at Disney Resort hotels and on supported Amazon Echo devices at home. "It's going to give guests the ability to sort of interact with our beloved characters in entirely new ways" said Dan Soto, vice president of Technology and Digital for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. 'Alexa' tips and tricks:How to make the most of your Amazon Echo "Hey, Disney!" was designed to make the Alexa experience even more magical with things like jokes, interactive trivia with your family, personal greetings from our characters, soundscapes and more," Soto told USA TODAY. "It will absolutely include authentic character voices, original recordings, unique audio environments inspired by our films and our destinations around the world and over 1,000 magical interactions for our guests to discover." "Hey, Disney!" is expected to roll out next year. "Hey, Disney!" will be free for guests to access on Amazon Echo devices in Disney Resort hotel rooms. It's not yet clear how much it will cost to buy on the Alexa Skills Store for use at home. Details will be released on amazon.com/heydisney. Like Alexa, the voice assistant has its own unique wake words: "Hey, Disney!" While the bulk of "Hey, Disney!" features will be available both at home and at Disney Resort hotels, hotel guests will have additional offering through Alexa for Hospitality. "You can ask'Hey, Disney!' things like, 'What time is the park open?