The BBC is introducing a news service for the Alexa smart speaker platform.
The premise is users can skip ahead to the stories they have time for. By asking ‘Give me BBC News’ of an Alexa-enabled device. They’ll also be able to access additional content from a range of sources, including flexible bulletins that vary in length and allow users to explore longer interviews.
Mukul Devichand, executive editor, BBC Voice + AI, said: “Smart speakers give us the chance to reimagine what radio would be like if it were invented today, free from its technical limitations. By making the news interactive on smart speakers, listeners can jump to the stories they need to hear just before rushing out of the house, or, when they have more time, they can delve into a piece and find out more.
Arguably, in the age of Breaking News, the smart speaker listener is being offered content akin to that found on Today or the World at One.
The BBC is looking to introduce the service on other platforms in the future.
Separately, in the United States, Amazon is launching a customisable News app for Fire TV and Fire Tablets. The app will appear on the Fire TV home screen and carry content from CBS, Reuters, Yahoo, Al Jazeera and Cheddar.
