CES 2017 Update: What's Next For Smart Home & Connected Cars - Voice Activation
Last year, we brought you updates from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on everything from manned drones to the latest in smart lights and thermostats. We also covered foldable screens , smart bras, connected cars and the first smart appliances. But one thing that we didn't see at last year's show but is dominating the air waves this year is Amazon Alexa and how voice activiation is becoming a big part of simplifying smart home technology for consumers.
At this year's CES, we are a seeing a rise in the number of connected devices that can be controlled by voice. GearBrain has been very bullish on voice activation for months now and believe voice as the new app. Now you are seeing the growth of this new functionality and it's not surprising. A recent survey from Lenovo found 65 percent of people around the world use voice recognition technology on their PC, smartphone and tablet. The survey also showed one-third of consumers do it because its more convenient than typing and easier to do when multi-tasking. In addition, Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Vivint Smart Home released a new survey, which found that 72 percent of Americans who have smart home products want voice control.
Here are a few interesting devices we found at this year's CES which use voice recognition or activation:
LG Signature Smart Refrigerator
LG launched second generation of their Smart InstaView™ which has embedded an array of features provided by Amazon's Alexa Voice Service and powered by LG's own webOS smart platform.
▲Lenovo Smart Assistant
Lenovo launched their new Lenovo Smart Assistant this year at CES. This new connected devices looks like Amazon Echo and uses Amazon Alexa technology. it uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to connect to your devices which you set up using the Lenovo app that links to Amazon Alexa skills.
▲Panasonic new concept car with Voice recognition from IBM
Panasonic Automotive division is bringing smart mobility to the car. They have partnered with IBM to bring voice recognition to their new concept car, Portal.
▲Hyundai & blueLink
Hyundai has collaborated with Google to have Google Home work in their cars using Blue Link.
▲Westinghouse TVs with Amazon Alexa Remote
Westinghouse announces integration with Amazon Fire TV which includes voice remote using Amazon Alexa. This integration allows users to search for content and programming or switch TV inputs and change settings all by using your voice.
▲Comcast's Xfinity Home service with voice control
Comcast's Xfinity Home functions are managed with the Xfinity Home mobile app, online portal and in-home touchscreen controller. And Xfinity X1 platform customers now can control your connected devices with voice remote. For instance, you can check your security cameras by just sayiing "Xfinty Home Cameras."
▲GE Lighting and Amazon Alexa
GE Integrates Amazon Alexa Inside Sleek Table Lamp as First Step in Unleashing the Ultimate Living Experience. GE also has Amazon Alexa integrated into a number of new appliances coming out this year.
▲Samsung Brings Family Hub 2.0 with Voice Technology To Appliances
After the successful launch at last year's CES of their new connected refrigerator with Family Hub technology, Samsung announced this year all their french door refrigerators will have the latest version of their Family Hub software which does include voice controls or Samsung Voice Technology.
▲SAMSUNG RF28R7551SG 27.7 cu.ft. Black Stainless French Door Smart Refrigerator