1、GLOBAL “Daydreamer” by Michael Reeder, 2016, courtesy of Michael Reeder. Voice technology is sweeping the world, as assistants such as Amazons Alexa and smart speakers such as Baidus Little Fish capture our imagination. Talking computers, once seen only on the silver screen, are becoming an everyday
2、 reality, at our beck and call as developments in artificial intelligence (AI) transform our relationship with them. Early adopters report that they “wouldnt be without Alexa” as she becomes “integral” to their daily routine. Chinese YouTuber Jing Jing has accumulated 6.5 million views as she plays
3、Eighth Note,1 the voice-activated smartphone game taking Asia by storm. The age-old medium of voice has lost none of its relevance in the 21st century. ComScore forecasts that half of all searches will be voice searches by 2020,2 and by 2021, Ovum predicts that there will be more digital assistants
4、than humans on the planet.3 The opportunity is ripe for businesses to get immersed in the voice-activated world. Weve investigated the impact of voice technology on consumer behavior in nine countries across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America, and distilled the key business opportunities for bra
5、nds. While there are considerable cultural nuances and market factors in each country that dictate the local response, we have also identified strong trends that resonate on a global scale. Voice technology will not just redefine how we live our lives, but will also bring dramatic change to the cust
6、omer experience. Now is the time for marketers to learn how to Speak Easy. Jeremy Pounder Futures director Mindshare UK Elizabeth Cherian UK director The Innovation Group J. Walter Thompson A global trends and insight report on voice technology and its impact on brands. 1. Yvette Tan, “Play This Hil