We control our computers and phones by pointing, clicking, swiping, poking and typing. But these interfaces are about to go almost extinct. Instead, we'll interact with our machines the same way we interact with each other—by talking.
Amazon's Echo, which is a big hit with some users, is helping to usher in the habit of talking to appliances. Google and Apple are reportedly working on Amazon Echo-like virtual assistant appliances as well. Of course, all three companies have various voice-controlled products and services, including TV control boxes and car dashboard systems.
Years ago, when Bluetooth headsets first hit the market, it was nearly impossible to distinguish while in public between headset users and people having conversations with the voice in their heads.
Today, experts assume voice interfaces will come to us through extensions to Siri, Google Now, Cortana and Alexa. For example, Apple's HomeKit is designed in part to enable home automation appliances to be controlled via Siri. Other companies bringing voice-command home automation into reality include Athom, CastleOS, Insteon, Ivee and others.
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The voice control revolution will be driven by the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence revolutions.
The social implications of this transition to voice interfaces will be enormous.
Children born today will never have to use their hands to use a computer. Novice computer users will be a thing of the past because no knowledge will be required to use electronic devices.
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As people get in the habit of using voice interfaces, it will be harder to keep our activities private because anyone within earshot will know what we're trying to do. A casual use of voice commands to book flights will alert those nearby that our homes will be empty while we're away. Business communication will be overheard.
One ironic development will be the decline of apps and the return of the command line interface. We'll be in the habit of talking as a way to make our computers and devices do things for us but when we want to be quiet or private we'll type in those same commands.
At first, talking to objects and devices will be generally deemed socially unacceptable, just like people talking to their smartphone Bluetooth interfaces on the street were looked upon with suspicion and perhaps pity. But then we'll adjust and accept it.
I think the spoken word interface will be the main way we interact with not only our computers and phones, but our everyday smart appliances.
See more at: eweek.com
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