Wireless Group has created custom ‘skills’ for the Amazon Echo range of devices using Alexa.
It means users of the devices, officially released today, can ask for any of the group’s seven radio stations without using a third party such as TuneIn or Radioplayer.
The skill is now live for Dublin’s Q102 and FM104, Cork’s 96FM and C103, Limerick’s Live95FM, Drogheda’s LMFM and Belfast’s U105.
Alexa users who wish to listen to the stations can enable the skill via their Alexa app or by saying “Alexa, enable FM104” or “Alexa, enable 96FM.” Once enabled, customers use just their voice to start their chosen station by saying “Alexa, play FM104.”
Scott Williams, Group Content Director, Wireless Group (Ireland) said: We have broken new ground here in the smart home arena in Ireland with today’s launch. It’s yet another touch point for radio fans and the opportunities to interact with listeners are plentiful”.
Jimmy Buckland, Director of Strategy, Wireless Group said: “It is always nice to be a pioneer and we’re certainly very proud to be the first broadcaster in Ireland to launch all of our stations on Alexa. The user experience is top quality with Alexa and we look forward to further innovation in this area with our seven Irish stations”.
Here’s how it worked at RadioToday HQ earlier, where we noticed the skill was still missing station logos:
Wireless Group stations @Corks96FM @C103Cork @LimLive95fm @LMFMRADIO @U105radio @Q102MoreMusic @FM104 now have their own skill on @amazonecho https://t.co/PJNpou7yZM pic.twitter.com/d995y9s6au
— RadioToday Ireland (@RadioTodayIE) January 25, 2018