As technology advances, so does the way we search for information. No longer are we limited to typing out our queries into a search engine – now we can simply ask a question aloud and get an answer in return.
This hands-free method of searching is made possible by voice search, and it’s something that more and more people are using to find the information they need.
History of Voice Search – How it’s Grown
Before we dive into whether or not you should be using voice search for your app, let’s take a look at the history of this technology and how it’s grown in popularity.
The first voice search engine was developed by IBM in 1971. It was called “Automatic Call Identification System” and it was set up to automatically answer various questions that customers had, through a computer generated voice.
In the 1980s, Texas Instruments came out with a voice recognition doll called ‘Julie’, which understood many different everyday words and language patterns, and even sensed movement, responding accordingly.
While these early examples of voice search were somewhat limited in scope, they laid the groundwork for the more advanced voice search engines that we have today.
The Growth of Voice Search
In the years since IBM and Texas Instruments launched their respective voice search features, this technology has become more and more popular.
Around half of the U.S. population uses voice search for its convenience factor.
This growth is due in part to the increasing availability of smart speakers, like the Amazon Echo and Google Home. These devices make it even easier to search for information without having to type anything out.
How To Implement Voice Search in Your App
Now that we’ve looked at the history of voice search and how it’s becoming more popular, you may be wondering if you should be using this technology for your app.
There are a few things to consider before making the decision to add voice search to your app.
First, you need to think about whether or not your target audience is likely to use this feature. Before you optimize content for voice search, think about your demographic. If you’re targeting a younger demographic, they’re more likely to be familiar with voice search and comfortable using it.
If you’re targeting an older demographic, they may be less familiar with voice search and more comfortable sticking to traditional search methods.
You also need to think about the type of app you have. If your app is focused on search, then adding voice search could be a great way to improve the user experience.
If your app isn’t focused on search, then you may want to consider whether or not voice search would even be useful for your users.
Finally, you need to think about the cost of adding voice search to your app. This technology requires significant processing power, so it may not be feasible for your app if you’re working with a limited budget.
If you’ve considered all of these factors and you’ve decided that voice search is right for your app, then you need to start thinking about how to implement it.
There are a few different ways to add voice search to your app.
Built-in voice search features of your mobile platform (iOS or Android).
This is the simplest way to add voice search to your app, but it’s also the least flexible.
Use a third-party service, like Houndify or Sphinx.
This gives you more control over the voice search experience, but it’s also more complicated and expensive.
Build your own voice search engine.
This is the option you should opt for to get the most ROI for your time and money, and it also gives you the most control over the voice search experience. You may need help from a software or app development company to help you add a voice search feature to your app.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Voice Search
Like any technology, voice search has its pros and cons.
Benefits:
-Faster than typing (especially for long queries)
-Can be used hands-free
-More natural way of interacting with digital devices
Drawbacks:
-Requires significant processing power
-May not be accurate for all queries
-Less control over the search results
Before making a decision, it is crucial to consider both the pros and cons of voice search to see if it is the right fit for your app.
Industries that Can Benefit Most From Voice Search
While any industry can benefit from voice search, there are a few that are particularly well-suited for this technology.
E-commerce
If you have an e-commerce app, voice search can be a great way to help users find products quickly and easily. Users can simply tell your app what they’re looking for and they’ll be presented with a list of relevant products.
Local businesses
If you have a local business, like a restaurant or a store, voice search can be a great way to help customers find your business quickly and easily.
Customers can simply tell your app what they’re looking for and they’ll be presented with a list of relevant businesses.
Travel
If you have a travel app, voice search can be a great way to help users find travel information quickly and easily. Almost anyone who travels needs to navigate the new area they are in, so being able to use voice search to find nearby attractions, restaurants, and hotels can be a lifesaver.
Voice search is a great way to improve the user experience for any app. If you’re thinking about adding voice search to your app, consider the factors discussed in this article to make sure it’s the right fit for your app. Then, start planning how you’ll implement voice search into your app so you can give your users the best possible experience.
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