Disney is wading further into the smart home market with ‘Hey Disney!’, an Amazon collaboration that turns the company’s legendary characters into your personal assistants.
Hey Disney! will “give customers access to a wide range of Disney magic through Echo devices at home”, featuring more than 20 Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars characters, including the likes of Mickey Mouse, Dory from Finding Nemo, and Olaf from Frozen.
While it is basically a licencing deal between Disney and Amazon, the technology was designed initially to be used in Disney Resorts hotel, as an Alexa system tuned to the specifics of the hotel experience.
When it comes to homes — later this year, according to Amazon — it will include Disney-themed trivia, soundtracks, storylines, and more
“Disney is the master storyteller, and its stories are so powerful for so many people,” Aaron Rubenson, a vice president of Alexa, said.
“Now people can keep talking to a character and continue with the storyline when they go back to their room at the end of the day—or when they go home when the vacation is over.
“It’s gratifying to imagine that we’re a part of literally bringing that magic home.”
Dan Soto, Disney’s vice president of technology and digital, adds:
“As a first-of-its-kind voice assistant, Hey Disney! continues Disney’s long tradition of using technology to provide the coolest, most convenient experiences to make your visit better.
“We’re always looking for new ways to open the door to even more stories, making them richer, more immersive, and forever memorable.”
Hey Disney! will be available “soon” as a standalone purchase, or as part of an Amazon Kids+ subscription in the coming months.
