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Welcome to the first Voice Search Babble of 2018, a bumper edition due to plenty of new products coming out of CES.
Google have sold a Google Home device every second since October 18th
Directly from Google came the quote, “We sold more than one Google Home device every second since Google Home Mini started shipping in October”
More details : https://www.blog.google/products/assistant/how-google-home-and-google-assistant-helped-you-get-more-done-in-2017/
Google Release Quality guidelines for voice search
For years, Google have employed a panel of quality raters who judge the quality of web search results on a set criteria. For example, if you search for x, these are the type of results to expect. Google have now released the same for voice search. Currently some results on voice search are not accurate or correct. Having this initial guidelines will help Google judge and improve the quality of results.
More details; https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-rates-voice-search-results/231343/
The Echo Look to help you dress
The Echo Look which includes a camera which can send a picture of your outfit to Amazon Spark. From there other users can rate, suggest clothes and styles.
More details: https://www.cnet.com/news/amazons-echo-look-lets-you-ask-strangers-what-you-should-wear/
Echo users spend more
Amazon Echo owners spend 66% more than average customers of the e-commerce giant.
More details: https://www.mobilemarketer.com/news/study-amazon-echo-owners-are-big-spenders/514050/
Ad format coming to the echo
At some point, ads will come to voice enabled devices. One approach Amazon is is looking at, is promoted search results. Amazon is also experimenting with more targeted Alexa searches based on past shopping behavior. “Consumer companies, including Procter & Gamble and Clorox, have been involved in these talks, according to the people”.
More details: http://uk.businessinsider.com/amazon-exploring-ad-options-echo-alexa-2018-1 and https://searchengineland.com/report-amazon-discussions-consumer-brands-ads-alexa-289131
UK police to use the Amazon Echo
Lancashire’s finest are looking at options with the Amazon Echo to allow the public to report crime and ask related questions.
More details: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5224935/Crime-victims-use-Amazon-Echo-help.html
From CES
CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) took place in Las Vegas and voice search was on the agenda;
The big one – Google Assistant with a screen: Smart Displays
As expected Google will be bringing out a device with a screen, however it’s not going to be manufactured by Google. JBL, Lenovo, LG and Sony are all creating “Smart Displays”, which which will have the Google assistant built in. The devices will be seen as a direct competitor to the Amazon Echo Show. The naming convention of this range, “Smart Displays”, suggests that there could be other types of displays in the future.
More details: http://www.techradar.com/news/google-takes-on-amazon-echo-show-with-display-equipped-google-assistant-smart-speakers
Ok Google, Lock my Door
The new Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is an electronic door lock which will work with the Google Assistant and Alexa assistant. So you’ll be able to open and close the lock using a voice command!
More details: https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/schlage-smart-deadbolt-google-assistant/
Whirlpool add support for Google and Amazon
Whirlpool will add WiFi and voice integration to over 20 products. Fridges with touchscreens will also have Amazon Virtual Dash Buttons built in, so owners can reorder certain products without having to use their phones. One other neat option is to be able to scan the information about cooking times for a product and your microwave will then change settings and timings to cook the item!
More details: https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/whirlpool-smart-appliances-ces-2018/
Ok Google, directions to Screwfix?
If you are lucky to have a relatively new car, you might have Android auto, the iOS that can control maps, music and your phone all in the car. The Google assistant will be added to the operating system, which previously used the “Ok Google” wake command, but was basic voice search. Now you’ll be able to ask questions and find out what time Screwfix closes!
More details: https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/8/16860338/google-assistant-android-auto-support-update-ces-2018
