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January 21, 2019

Top 4 Reasons Why Businesses Need to Focus on Voice Technologies in 2019



In this era of conversational AI, if you are still not focusing on voice technologies for your business then this article might be a reminder for you. Currently, the voice technology is not only evolving across industries but also, is the future of our day-to-day activities. Voice being an addictive interface is the next frontier in artificial intelligence development.



A conference held by Gartner in 2017 stated: “Consumer demand for voice devices is expected to generate $3.5 billion by 2021.” As a result, tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft (News - Alert) are investing heavily in conversational interfaces.

These interfaces eliminate the complex keyboard interactions by using the simplest tool- voice-command. VUIs mobile applications like Cortana, Siri, Google (News - Alert) Now have already become mainstream for voice searches, entertainment, shopping and much more. Not to miss out voice-user interface devices, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, are also on the rise.  

Furthermore, the introduction of ‘Actions on Google Platform’ and ‘Alexa Skills’ allow developers to create custom interactions. This addition is transforming the way customers interact with a brand across many industries like hospitality, eCommerce, real estate, healthcare etc. Today, you can place orders, search for information, book tickets or a cab by just making a voice command to such VUI devices.

So just imagine the number of customers you can add as well as retain by using voice technology as part of your interaction model. Here top 5 reasons why you should focus on voice technologies in 2019 and how they can enhance customer experience:

1. Voice-Based IoT

The voice-activated devices are also taking over the IoT. The integration of IoT devices with voice technology is soon going to enter into almost every aspect of our life. From microwaves, refrigerators and medical equipment to vehicles will use voice commands to operate.

Amazon has already announced its Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit in 2018. This kit allows developers to integrate voice technology with devices such as smart watches, headphones, and fitness trackers. Similarly, Google Home has the ability to integrate with almost all the devices of a smart home. Thus, IoT is tremendously evolving and providing immersive experiences with voice-based technology.

2. Voice-Activated Search, Ordering, and Payments

According to Gartner “By 2020, 30% of web browsing sessions will be done without a screen.” Voice search is becoming an integral part of our daily lives, as people are now realizing how easy it is to ask for information instead of typing it. Whether the voice search is occurring on smartphones or on smart devices, the point is that it is gaining momentum.

With the rise of voice search- voice-activated shopping and payment transactions are also just around the corner. People have started using smart home devices like Amazon Echo for purchasing all range of items. These smart home devices are also capable of remembering your purchase history and re-ordering the items from your previous shopping list. They even recommend you the products based on the ratings and reviews posted by other customers, making the shopping experience as smooth as possible without a screen.

Similarly, the voice-payment ecosystem is thriving. However, there is a need for enhancements in the current voice-based payment system due to the privacy concerns and scope of fraudulent activities. Major key players are gradually coming up with a solution such as, while using Alexa for payments you need to read out four-digit pin code initially.

3. Voice-based Language Translation

Tech giants are even focusing on voice processing technologies to build voice-based language translators. Google, for example, has implemented a full-fledged voice-enabled translator in its devices. This will eventually lead to better customer experiences during voice-based interactions. Research and advancements in machine learning are catering to such enhancements. Hence, other major players will soon come up such transformations in voice technology.

4. Voice Assistants for Businesses

Outside of the domestic sphere, voice-user interfaces are capable of easing the business operations as well. Voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Amazon Echo can be used to create a smart office. These assistants are offering smart office solutions like alerts when a meeting room is available or reminder of a project deadline or even managing infrastructure through security alerts. Thus, the use cases of using voice technology in offices are endless but can unequivocally increase the efficiency of business operations and even employees.

The Bottom Line

With the rise in popularity of voice technology, the demand for the VUI developers is also going to increase. As more and more businesses will explore the potential and capabilities of voice assistants, more will be the demand for custom VUI development. It is important to think about how you would extend your company’s voice in this voice technology revolution.

 

Author Bio

With 12+ years of experience in digital marketing and deployment of technology for startups and Fortune 100 companies, Kartik Kakar leads the marketing at Daffodil Software. A software engineering company that is a technology partner to 100+ dynamic organizations across the globe.



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