September 12, 2023
August 5, 2022
We are seeing a massive shift toward voice controlled AI technology as companies aim to provide a more perceptive and user-centric experience for the consumer, but what exactly does this mean for the future of consumer technology?
Industry experts are predicting that within the next five years almost every application will integrate voice technology in some way. Already, we’re seeing estimations that one in six Americans owns a smart speaker like Alexa, and there is further evidence to predict by 2020 nearly 100 million smartphone users will be using voice assistants. The millennial era seems to be the driving force behind this change. Studies show that there is an increased level of comfort in interacting with these products, there is an increased awareness of their voice-controlled properties and a demonstrated ease of use among this generation. As a response to this sizeable change in user demand, many new technologies are opting to adapt voice controlled AI.
Recently, Both Amazon and Google have also announced that their voice controlled AI assistants will no longer necessitate the use of their “wake” word to be repeated. In the past, these devices required a wake word to initiate a new line of conversation; for instance, Alexa required you to say her name while Google home required you to say “Okay, Google” before the devices would pick up on auditory requests. Now, after initiating the conversation with these devices, consumers can ask follow up questions without having to repeat the needed “wake” word to yield a response.
Already, Alexa is able to perform context awareness where she customizes decisions based upon which device a consumer is using. For example, let’s say a user instructs the device to “play Hunger Games.” This request is more likely to launch a movie on a smart device with a screen like the Echo Show, whereas if the command is requested by Alexa it’ll most likely launch an audiobook. However, two new features that have recently been announced for Alexa expand her awareness of customer auditory context far beyond just recognition and understanding of words. The sound detection technology lets Alexa Guard recognize smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, whereas the new glass breaking and whisper detection modes allow it to identify these distinctive noises.
One of the systems that enable these improvements for Alexa is called active learning. This is where algorithms sort through all of their training data and dissect out those pertinent examples that are most likely to yield meaningful improvements in accuracy for the future. Alexa researchers have found that active learning can decrease the amount of data needed to train a machine learning system by a whopping 97 percent, allowing a streamline approach to Alexa’s natural language understanding systems. In the past, these types of techniques required data laboriously annotated by hand, but with this new technology, Alexa devices are able to intuitively and intelligently learn from previous interactions.
Another new self-learning techniques that will be deployed in the next few months is called automatic equivalence class learning. This solution addresses the fact that experienced Alexa customers will often rephrase requests that initially fail. For instance, if someone in Seattle is using Alexa to request a radio station such as Sirius XM Chill and it fails, they may rephrase the request to Sirius channel 53. Alexa’s automated systems will recognize that these two requests share the same word “Sirius”, and if the second request is successful, Alexa will learn that both names should be treated as referring to the same entity. This ensures that in the future the user may use both phrases to yield effective results.
Although Amazon and Google are the drivers behind this massive shift towards voice AI, the trend is attracting some new and unlikely companies to cash in. The number of smart devices such as advanced thermostats, appliances, and speakers are giving voice assistants more function in a connected user’s life. Voice interfaces are advancing across not only devices anymore either but even industries like banking and healthcare, as companies race to release their own voice integrations to keep up with the growth in consumer demand. As of right now, smart speakers such as Alexa are still the number one way we are seeing voice AI being used, but it’s only up from here.
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September 12, 2023
September 12, 2023
August 5, 2022
Emily…
James comes to Podean with a wealth of marketplace knowledge having worked at Amazon Corporate for 5+ years. He worked in many different roles and groups during his time there from Seller Support to Vendor Management. From recruiting and onboarding 3P sellers to new categories, handling highly escalated executive level contacts, and managing vendor relationships he brings an inside understanding of how Amazon works. James is passionate about online retail and brings a client and customer centered approach as the Head of US Retail Operations. Before his e-commerce focused life, James worked across industries that have always focused and delivered results in customer service, account management, and inventory management.
With more than 15 years of experience Alejandro has led some of the most edgy projects in the LATAM region and has built-up high-performance teams from both agency and brand sides. Working with Havas he put together a Consumer Engagement unit for Pepsi. He led a WPP digital solution for L’Oréal and while working with Mediacom he redesigned Coca-Cola’s media team. Most recently he was a fundamental part of Danone’s media transformation into a brand salience unit. He was born and raised in Mexico City, loves being outdoors, listening to music and spending time with his 7-year-old daughter.
Danielle leads media globally for Podean. She previously led the Amazon and e-commerce division at performance marketing agency, Merkle (part of Dentsu). Danielle has deep expertise across all facets of Amazon advertising – DSP, sponsored ads, audio, out of home and beyond. She has delivered significant growth for some of the world’s largest brands including Nestle, managing tens of millions of advertising spend on their behalf.
Before Podean, Travis Johnson was Founder and President of Dentsu’s Amazon-focused consultancy, Sellwin. Prior joining Dentsu he was Global CEO of Ansible Mobile in New York, and also held CEO positions in Australia for media agencies UM, Initiative and Cadreon. He was an Adweek Media Allstar in 2017 and has won over 50 International Awards across his career.
Maddie leads our client management team and also marketing for Podean. Maddie’s team operates as an extension of our client’s teams – anticipating their needs, thinking proactively, and always delivering on time. Maddie is also responsible for all aspects of Podean marketing, from blogs and email newsletters to PR, content, and advertising.
Lizzy manages the Podean media team across any, and every, media solution offered by Amazon and other marketplaces. Whether it’s search/sponsored ads, DSP display and video, Twitch, audio or activations we have the experts to deliver. Every client that her team has worked on has seen a step-change in media effectiveness and sales versus their previous operations.
Jonathan Hawkins leads Podean’s European operations, working with clients spanning all categories. His team assists brands with every aspect of setup and optimization across the region including supply chain advice, logistics, retail operations, analytics and media management. P Before joining Podean, Hawkins was Commercial Director of Square Up media, owners of media properties including Escapism, Foodism and Square Mile. During his decade at Square Up he led editorial, content and most recently commercialisation and sales with a focus on digital products and ecommerce growth.
We have hand-picked the best and brightest Amazon talent from around the USA and the world. Our delivery team of 6 New York based, and 17 Amazon and marketplace marketing specialists ensure our clients receive the best campaign performance. They are experts in retail management, performance media optimization, but also video, analytics, AMC, voice, creative and higher impact executions.
Ashley has covered all aspects of digital marketing in his career, having led digital media for Initiative Media Australia, then managed a team of cross-functional digital salespeople at Mi9 (MSN) and was most recently the Managing Director of ecommerce conversion optimization software company, Ve. Ashley’s leadership, collaboration skills and entrepreneurial spirit drive the Australian business.
Mark is a 20+ year digital leader and before Podean was EVP at Reprise where he successfully launched IPG’s Amazon Center Of Excellence. Prior to this, Mark led mobile and innovation agency Ansible. Earlier in his career he was the Founder and CEO of Concep, an email and performance marketing agency with offices in the UK, USA and Australia.