The use of voice assistants and voice technology in general has been on the rise for the past few years, thanks in large part to consumer acceptance of speakers and connected devices.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that in order to return to saneness, voice technology is necessary now when it is the only safe option.
For businesses and workplaces, the implementation of voice technology will no longer be a novelty, or an easy way of announcing the promise of innovation. In a post-pandemic world, it will demonstrate commitment to the health of workers, consumers and communities.
With the state slowly reopening and many of us considering the return to the workplace, we took this opportunity to review the role of voice technology in the post-pandemic environment.
- Voice control company
This disease has caused a dramatic change in many people’s behavior and turned everyday work into a potential minefield for this virus. For example, consider the point. Things that used to be harmless are now the ones that can cause deadly diseases.
Almost every hard surface we touch has the potential to carry and spread this virus. Knowing this, companies are working hard to find ways to reorganize their facilities to reduce the number of surfaces that employees touch each work day. Voice technology is playing a major role in modernizing office spaces so that employees can return to work safely.
For example, in China, the government began to re-engineer elevators and public spaces with limited mobility and voice-activated controls to eliminate the need for key fobs.
The devices that are shared in the office – think of the conference room PCs and monitors, speakers and projectors – can also be upgraded with voice assistance models, continuing to support and reduce the number of devices that many people touch in one space.
Contactless key cards, face recognition and voice recognition could also be at least part of the home security picture for post-pandemic workplaces.
- Voice technology empowers customer service and experience
Many consumers appear to be very concerned and vigilant about the virus, at least until there is a vaccine for COVID-19. Hotels, retailers and other service providers will do what they can to reduce these concerns for repeat customers.
That means things like contactless payments will almost certainly see high adoption. Kiosks powered by voice technology will start appearing in places like airports, low-service restaurants, public transport stations and high-end retailers.
Models like thetradebuzz.com contactless grocery store have received a lot of social media attention, but they are still far from universal, and they may start to develop quickly as consumers want to avoid human contact.
- When human interaction is not possible, voice assistants fill the gaps
The pandemic has put a lot of pressure on the call center, a problem that, in turn, has created long wait times and frustrated customers. This gap will be increasingly filled with voice assistants. Chatbots and voice AI can provide non-stop feedback to customers at any time of the day, reducing the burden on call centers and increasing customer satisfaction.
Even when we are alone or at home, speakers and connected devices can keep people connected, happy and entertained. For example, Amazon Echo’s “Drop In” feature allows users to check in on elderly relatives in isolation. These devices can provide entertainment for the whole family, but are especially useful for children, the elderly and people with disabilities who may find it difficult to use traditional devices.
Key Takeaway
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting behavior and changing the way people interact with each other. As we look forward to reopening the economy, businesses are thinking about how to do it the right way and look to the future.
Overall, we expect the pandemic to play a role in accelerating digital transformation across industries as companies try to protect against future disruptions. Voice technology is one of the most important and necessary aspects of digital transformation in a post-COVID world. It is definitely a plus to embrace new technologies while the world moves forward. This not only gives ease in operations but also enhances experience to a great extent.
