BBC launches Alexa skill across radio stations and podcasts

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The BBC has launched voice control for Amazon Alexa-powered speakers across its radio stations and podcasts, with support for alternative smart speaker platforms to follow.

Owners of Alexa-powered speakers, such as the new Amazon Echo, Echo Plus and Sonos One, can now launch any of the BBC’s UK, national and local live radio stations, and its full range of podcasts, simply with the sound of their voice.

They can also ask to 'play', 'pause' and 'resume' whatever they are listening to, as well as launch 'previous' episodes in the back-catalogue.

It’s not the first time the BBC has dabbled with smart control. It recently launched an interactive story for Amazon Alexa speakers, with support for Google Assistant to come.

Future support for rival smart platforms looks likely too, so owners of speakers such as the Google Home and Sony LF-S50G will have to be patient.

Image credit: BBC

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Becky Roberts
Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.