Real-time speech analytics and voice biometrics demand are driving developments in the voice-recognition industry. It’s led multiple organizations to adopt voice-activated systems and virtual voice assistants. According to estimates, the voice-recognition industry is predicted to push beyond US$10 billion by 2028 (see figure).
Voice-enabled devices for smart homes, such as smart TVs, vacuum cleaners, Wi-Fi smart thermostats with voice control, developed by the likes of Amazon Echo, Honeywell, etc., are in high demand. Such devices are making work around the house easier.
New innovations in voice tech continue to transform the industry. Voice-powered mobile applications, for instance, are on the rise as they save people from complicated navigation. Currently, smartphone owners are the biggest users of voice assistants.
Government bodies are focusing on improving data and cybersecurity, which also has increased the demand for voice recognition. On this front, safety and security leverage personalized authentication, helping to reduce fraudulent activities.
What follows are a few of the current trends in this market.
Voice Recognition in Consumer Electronic Devices
Consumer electronics like TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, fans, lights, and more are becoming “smarter” each day thanks to the integration of voice recognition. One example is the new GE Profile Top Load 900 series washing machine, which has Amazon Alexa built in. The Amazon voice assistant is used by GE appliances that can play music, tell a joke, etc.
Also, for instance, if you have a bad stain on a shirt and need help removing it, you may search online for answers. However, in this washing machine, Alexa will do it for you. The company says that it’s trying to give a personalized experience to the customers.
The specialty of voice-activated machines is that they can respond to commands like “wash cotton clothes,” “remove pen ink,” or “wash whites” by saying “optimizing the washer.” Essentially, companies are offering hands-free control of the washers to customers.
Friendly Smart Cars
Over the years, cars and technology integrated within them have grown together. Most cars come packed with a plethora of features, but using them while driving can be distracting. Thus, more companies are looking into integrating voice-recognition features.
Recently, Toyota has developed voice assistance as a part of its “Toyota Connected” technology. The company launched a new in-car “Intelligent Assistant” that follows the driver’s commands. The highly advanced voice assistant learns the commands and gets smarter with time. Navigational assistance becomes easier—for example, if the driver wants to have a coffee, the assistant will bring up a map with all nearby coffee shops.
Speech Recognition for Children
Sensory, a leader in edge AI, recently announced a customized speech-recognition model exclusively for children. It’s specially made to understand a child’s voice and their linguistic patterns. This technology can be used in toys, child wearables, and EdTech. However, voice recognition of children is a very tedious task, because the available training data is very limited.
Sensory’s new speech recognition for kids has been integrated by Generalplus Technology, a worldwide supplier of integrated circuits for toys and speech. The toys also are in higher demand from customers. More innovations like these are expected to happen in the voice-recognition market.
Conclusion
Every industry wants to add a personal touch to its products or services, and speech recognition is doing that for them. Many sectors are using this feature as an added security benefit. Thus, expect to see many more AI voice-recognizing assistants similar to Alexa, Siri, and Google in the upcoming years.