Is voice technology really the future?

Aug 22., 2021

Voice-controlled mobile apps have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people turning to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to help them complete tasks and access information. However, despite this growing trend, there are several reasons why voice-controlled apps may never truly become successful.

Forcing users to change behaviour

One of the biggest obstacles to the success of voice-controlled mobile apps is the need for users to change their behaviour. Using voice commands to interact with a mobile device is still a relatively new concept, and many people are not yet comfortable with speaking out loud to their phones in public. This can make it difficult for voice-controlled apps to gain widespread adoption, as many people may prefer to stick with the more familiar and discreet touch-based interfaces.

The privacy issue

Another issue with voice-controlled apps is privacy and security. Many people are concerned about the privacy implications of speaking out loud to their mobile devices, particularly when it comes to sensitive information such as personal or financial data. Speaking out loud in public also increases the risk of eavesdropping and data theft, making it even more important for users to be cautious about what they say to their mobile devices.

 

The voice recognition issue

Additionally, voice-controlled apps can be prone to errors, particularly when it comes to voice recognition. This can be particularly frustrating for users, who may find that their voice commands are not accurately interpreted, or that they have to repeat themselves multiple times in order to get their device to understand what they are saying. This can lead to a negative user experience, which in turn may discourage people from using voice-controlled apps in the future.

In conclusion, while voice-controlled mobile apps may seem like a convenient and innovative solution to many users, there are several obstacles that need to be overcome before they can become truly successful. From the need for users to change their behavior and the risks posed by privacy and security, to the technical challenges of voice recognition, it is clear that voice-controlled apps still have some way to go before they can live up to their full potential. For now, it seems that touch-based interfaces will remain the dominant method for interacting with mobile devices.