Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) has tied up with tech giant Google to deliver news to audiences in an innovative way.
Users of Google Home devices will be able to listen to news and podcasts from SPH Radio's Money FM 89.3, The Straits Times and The Business Times by issuing commands to the voice-enabled smart speakers.
They simply need to download the Google Home app, set their device language to “English (Singapore)” and say: “Ok Google, listen to news from The Straits Times” or “Hey Google, play me the news from The Business Times.”
Google Home, a range of voice-enabled speakers powered by the Google Assistant, will hit the shelves in Singapore on April 20. It allows users to listen to news feeds, music, radio and audiobooks hands-free, and also offers responses to spoken questions.
SPH will provide four audio feeds for Google Home:
- A news bulletin from The Straits Times, presented by MoneyFM;
- A financial news bulletin from The Business Times, presented by MoneyFM;
- A podcast by The Straits Times; and
- A segment called Need to Know, which offers tips on career development and personal growth, presented by Business Insider Singapore and MoneyFM.
Anthony Tan, Deputy CEO of SPH, said: “SPH is constantly experimenting to improve our user experience and to bring our audiences the news and content they need in fresh and innovative formats. Voice-enabled technology is the latest frontier and we see a lot of potential to use it to increase our engagement with audiences. We are delighted to collaborate with Google on this initiative and congratulate them on the launch of Google Home, alongside our strategic partner StarHub, in Singapore.”
Stephanie Davis, Country Director for Google Singapore said: “Keeping up with the news and latest happenings around the world is a must-do for Singaporeans, and we are here to provide hands-free help through the power of the Google Assistant. As we launch the Google Home and Home Mini here, we are delighted to continue our close partnership with Singapore Press Holdings, to provide new ways of delivering trusted and relevant information to Singaporeans wherever they are – be it on the go, or within the comfort of their homes.”