Once, voice-activated technology existed only in science fiction. Today, voice command technology is increasingly incorporated into the products and devices that are part of people’s everyday lives. Right now, voice-activated technology can help you with off-line tasks like dimming the lights without getting off the couch, turning your television off and even locking your front door.
Here’s the lowdown on four ways voice command technology could simplify your day-to-day life.
1. Your Own Personal Digital Assistant
If you’ve used other voice-activated technologies to find information on your device’s browser, send an email or play audio on your phone, you’re making use of your own personal digital assistant. Even senior living providers are experimenting with using digital personal assistants to easily remind elderly residents to take their medicine and turn appliances off when they’re on their own.
As the Internet of Things connects more “smart” devices (any electronics that are equipped with voice recognition technology), your digital personal assistant may be able to complete increasingly complex tasks while, shortening your own to-do list.
2. Paying with Your Voice
Don’t just use Siri to ask about the weather, if you’re on the go, or have your hands full, use your voice. Enable Siri for RBC Mobile and see how easy it is to pay a bill or send an Interac e-Transfer to anyone in your recipient or payee list. It’s fast, simple, secure, and protected by TouchID, and the best part? It’s free so it doesn’t cost you money to send money.
3. Home Smart Speaker Hubs
How’d you like to call out commands and have your every whim met, even if you’re the only one home? With home smart speaker hubs, the technology is already here.
Driven by voice command technology, these home speaker hubs can take on tasks such as:
- Dimming interior and exterior lights
- Changing interior temperatures
- Locking doors
- Setting security systems
- Closing curtains or drawing blinds
4. Voice Commands For Your Car
If your car was made within the past 10 years, you may already have voice command technology, via the Bluetooth-enabled phone system that connects your smartphone to your car. And if you have driven or been a passenger in the newer BMW Series 7 model, you’ve had a chance to use Dragon Drive, which accepts voice commands to do things like find the closest covered parking spot.
What’s Next for Voice Command Technology
Rapid advances in technology, inexpensive production and the growth of the Internet of Things means that voice commands could soon become a major part of how people get things done. MIT researchers have developed a low-power special purpose computer chip for automatic speech detection that could fit all sorts of devices. So more of us will be able to afford to communicate with our smart devices by voice instead of a touchscreen.
One day, by just talking to your device, you may have the option to complete tasks like changing the suspension on your car, or requesting that a shopping list based on your fridge contents be sent to your neighbourhood supermarket for delivery. And that day may not be as far off as you think.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
