In the Near Future, You May Get Intoan Argument with Your Smart Speaker
Over 65 percent of virtualassistant, or smart speaker, users think the speakers will argue like familymembers in three years, according to the eighth edition of Ericsson’s ConsumerLabtrend report. Some of the technology predictions the company studied might seemlike a stretch, but they make for entertaining reading.
The report is based on technology predictions by 34 million early technology adopters participating in an October survey in 10 cities. Here is what Ericsson found:
- Awareables: More than 60 percent of virtual assistant users think devices that understand our moods will be mainstream in three years.
- Spying apps: Over 45 percent of consumers think apps collect data about them even when they don’t use the app.
- Enforced agreement: Always having to accept data collection cookies annoys 51 percent of consumers.
- Internet of skills: More than 50 percent of AR or VR users want apps, glasses and gloves that give virtual guidance for practical, everyday tasks such as cooking or carrying out repairs.
- Zero-touch consumption: Around half of virtual assistant users want automated bills and subscriptions, as well as self-restocking household supplies.
- Mental obesity: 31 percent of consumers soon expect to go to ‘mind gyms’ to practice thinking, as everyday decision-making becomes increasingly automated.
- Eco Me: 39 percent of consumers want an eco-watch that measures their carbon footprint.
- My digital twin: 48 percent of AR or VR users want online avatars that mimic them exactly, so they can be in two places at once.
- 5G automates society: Around 20 percent of smartphone users believe 5G will better connect IoT devices, such as household appliances and utility meters.
“We have already entered the age when humans and intelligent machines are interacting and working together,” Dr. Pernilla Jonsson, Head of Ericsson’s Consumer & IndustryLab, said in a press release. “So far, we’ve only taken small steps into the future. Most of the zero-touch future is yet to be developed – and how we create that future is still in our hands.”