There is a sense of whimsy and fun in asking a small speaker on a nearby table for the latest sports score or for an answer to some random bit of trivia. There's also a sense of productivity when talking to that same device and establishing — or changing — reminders and schedules for the next work day.
But with all the fun and features of voice-activated systems like Siri and Alexa, it's easy to lose track of just how young the technology is. To help identify some of the sticking points, 7 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss what every user should know about program limits or caveats. Here's what they have to say:
1. Systems Require Strong Internet Connectivity
These systems, at least for now, rely on speedy access to the “big brain in the cloud.” Their usability and effectiveness is severely compromised when used with a slow or unreliable internet connection. - Arvind Prabhakar, StreamSets, Inc.
2. Read The Quick Start Guide
After hearing the marketing teams for voice activated tech sell products like they can intelligently respond to any command, it's easy to get discouraged when finding out that they can't (yet). Find a quick start guide for your device that shows some of the most commonly used voice commands. You'll likely find a few commands that you'll be able to use frequently and flawlessly. - Matthew Kolb, AnyplaceAmerica.com
3. Answers Can Lack Originality
Every answer is derived from searching an existing (but well-defined) database and it lacks originality. Siri and Alexa are both based on AI and still have limitations, so their use by consumers contributes to their ongoing development. All voice commands and audio recordings are kept in a big data database that's used to improve these voice recognition softwares. - Alan O'Herlihy, Everseen
4. They Record What You Say
Just one golden nugget for y'all: They record what you say. Yes, it seems shocking, I know, but in the high-tech era we live in, privacy is a scarce resource. My advice: Before using such services, ask yourself if you are willing to share that information with the rest of the world, because it might happen. - Nick Chandi, SlickPie
5. They Can Give Bad Information
They can give you bad answers and incorrect information. That's because they are still learning as an artificial intelligence. They have a ways to go, and may not be able to always give you the best answer. But they will get a lot better and very quickly. - Chalmers Brown, Due
6. Be Clear In Your Speech
Users need to remember that we haven't seen the best of this technology yet. Voice-activated technologies are still in their infancy and often appear to be more intelligent than they actually are. Just as with selecting terms for a search engine, you may have to phrase commands a specific way to achieve the desired effects. This is frustrating, but will change as the technology continues to mature. - Chris Kirby, Voices.com
7. Expect More Of Them In The Future
You don't need to yell at them (they can hear you just fine). But seriously, get used to using these products and understanding how they work so you can develop applications to further your business. In the same way physical media such as DVD's are dead, physical interfaces are dying. Keyboards, mice and touch screens will be trumped by microphones and cameras in the near future, so be prepared. - Chris Rediger, Redefy
