Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2017 50 V oice control is the hot topic this year in the CE industry. As consumers become increasingly comfortable with voice recognition technology, the future of the voice-enabled smart speaker and connected home look bright. Hey Google, turn on the lights! When we think of the connected home of the future, episodes of The Jetsons run through our heads and we instantly think of controlling everything with our voices. With the use of voice commands allowing us to control actions by saying commands aloud rather than touching a smartphone, these visions are now coming true. Voice command can be as simple as checking on the weather, adding items to your to-do list, or as sophisticated as controlling lighting, window shades, or adjusting the thermostat. A report from eMarketer projects that voice-enabled smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and the Google Home will see significant gains in 2017. One figure shows usage rates jumping by almost 130%, with over 35 million Americans set to use a smart speaker at least once per month. As the CE industry continues to enhance voice recognition technologies, consumers are seeing big improvements in usability with new features like hands free calling, personal assistance and visual response. Shawn DuBravac, chief economist at Consumer Technology Association, stated that in 2017, the word error rate in voice recognition technology will have decreased from 23% in 2013 to zero. "The next computer interface is voice," he added. "OK Google, call Mom." Increasingly manufacturers are incorporating voice activation into their products in one way or another, allowing consumers to speak different, simple commands. Say, "Google, turn on patio fans, Google turn on kitchen lights, Google lock the front door, Google close the garage door," in addition to other customized commands. Google is also introducing shortcuts because one of the biggest weaknesses with voice assistants so far is their lack of complex control over many devices and features. Siri allows for some personalization with smart home devices, but that's about it. Google shortcuts will allow users to set up verbal shortcuts, like "You know what to do," to trigger multiple app commands and devices at once. All of this is great news for homeowners who can expect accurate speech recognition technology with voice control integrated into nearly every aspect of their smart- home technology. Consumers now can get a personalized daily briefing, search Google, check traffic, see their daily calendar, make a shopping list, check flight status, track a package, and read recipe instructions. Who's ready for their own personal assistant? I am. Connected devices aren't just changing the way we live, work and play; they're dramatically reshaping the entire industry. As retailers, we should not hesitate to develop and execute a strategy that will open the door to those interested in and embracing this new technology. Becky Sloan Consumer Electronic Trends Becky Sloan, Appliance Support & AHBC Manager. RO HEY GOOGLE… THE POWER OF VOICE

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