What is a digital assistant and how will it change your lives?

Author: Renu Mehta

2019 has become the golden year of voice assistants. We are getting closer to the proliferation of devices with integrated smart speakers. Alexa, Google Home or Siri are some of the examples that have shown us how what was previously unimaginable is already a reality installed in many homes. But the opportunities offered by the voice digital assistants will not be seen only in our homes.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading!

Did you know that almost 50% of searches are expected to be by voice? These data project good opportunities for voice-based marketing strategies, which will no longer be based on positioning some keywords but on solving questions and doubts of users.

What is a voice assistant?

The voice search and smart speakers are a technology that allows users to search the Internet to put a question verbally on, device smartphone or computer instead of using the traditional method of writing the query into a search box smartphone.

The domains where voice search is performed today are not limited to basic tasks like browsing, question and answer, playlist management or phone calls but activities like shopping, email management, administration are also supported by calendars and many more.

The most used voice assistants

  • Google Home
  • Amazon Echo / Alexa
  • Google Assistant
  • Siri
  • Cortana
  • Bixby

Data about searches in voice assistants

Several consultancies specialized in technology and strategy such as Gartner or Search Engine Watch have already brought to light the forecasts about what the future of digital assistants will be in our lives.

  • According to Gartner, by 2020, 30% of all searches will be done using a device without a screen.
  • Voice search queries are longer than regular text-based searches and tend to be three to five words in length, Campaign live explains.
  • According to Location World, 240% of adults now use mobile voice search at least once a day.
  • 20% of adults use mobile voice search at least once a month according to TheWebIndex
  • The 20% of searches on a mobile device are based on voice.
  • 25% of inquiries on Android devices are voice-based.
  • As reported by Citrusbits, 55% of teens use voice search on a daily basis.
  • Search Engine Watch reports that voice-based searches using a mobile phone are 3 times more likely to be location-specific.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF VOICE ASSISTANTS?

We are witnessing how digital assistants are going to give a lot to talk about in the coming years. In fact, we have news that augmented reality will complement voice assistants and how this technology will arrive also reaches the operating rooms to improve the operations and work of surgeons.

THE VOICE WILL BE MORE USEFUL

Until now, people have not used voice devices much because the tasks they can do have been very limited. It will be possible to interact with more phone applications as well as more devices at home and work. With machine learning, there will be customization, habits, and preferences that will make devices even more useful.

According to the expert, in the future, it will be possible to order pizza or tune a guitar through an application with a built-in voice assistant.

VOICE WILL HAVE TO OVERCOME PRIVACY CONCERNS

There are still some issues to resolve before voice assistants are adopted everywhere. One of the main concerns is privacy since the device listens to our voice. Notes that the device would only activate when it hears the word "wake up," such as "Hey Siri," "Hey Google," or "Alexa." In short: the devices would not be recording our conversations.

The expert acknowledges that the real danger to privacy does not come from the creators of virtual assistants but from the hackers that could enter our devices and use them to spy on us.

VOICE WILL BE ON MORE DEVICES

The voice will be essential because it will facilitate many tasks: we can speak faster than we write. Voice assistants will appear in many aspects of our lives: cars, work, homes, hotels, and restaurants. Digital assistants will be increasingly present in our lives. Digital Innovation allows its application in different habits and scientific areas to improve conditions for workers and users.