A new trend has emerged, pushing leading edge software developers to shift from mobile first to "voice first." Voice First refers to applications and services that people control primarily by speaking, leveraging the latest developments in Natural Language Processing (NLP). In this report, we use the term Voice First to identify this emerging category of voice-controlled devices, applications or services. Older adults, caregivers, and service providers quickly recognized the power of Voice First and the advantages that voice-driven applications have over both desktop and mobile versions.
CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nortek Security & Control LLC, a global leader in the security, smart home automation, access control and personal digital health markets, today introduced Stove & Grill Guard, the newest addition to the 2GIG Security offering. Stove & Grill Guard provides an alert when a grill or stove knob is turned from the "off" position, sending a notification to the homeowner's security & control panel and/or smart phone via interactive service provider.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scripps Networks Interactive, the leader in lifestyle media, surveyed more than 600 U.S. homeowners of all ages, finding that consumers often are introduced to smart home technology by receiving it as a gift. They most enjoy a seamless integration of technology that can easily fade into the background, yet enhances home life by aiding family tasks and adding an element of fun.
2017 was an interesting year -- 2018 should overcome a few obstacles. Probably the most significant innovation during 2017 was the growth of the Voice First technology market -- but judging by the aisles of gadgets in places like Best Buy, everything else is changing as well. CES is next week, and with it more speakers, TVs, and gadgetry than is seen in Best Buy or anywhere else during the year. But even as technology leapfrogs and crawls forward, obstacles to broad adoption for older adults remain. Hopefully interest in mitigating social isolation among older adults will lead to the role technology could play. But to make a real difference, here's a look at five areas for improvement in 2018:
It is the time of convenience – and of non-stop hacking into everything. Consider these 41 hacks (through October 2017!) in health care. And these 791 in banking (through July, 2017!). And then there’s Equifax – 143 million accounts, established presumably to protect, not misuse, your social security data. And what’s the worst that can happen? Identity theft – costing consumers $16 billion in 2016. Yet consumers trust Amazon, sellers not so much. And they trust both Amazon and Walmart as possible providers of drone deliveries, with only 41 percent concerned about air traffic safety – presumably fear of too many drones in the air – as their hot food is delivered. But the drone, presumably would drop off the food outside the home. And Amazon has filed patents on drone delivery. What’s next? Deliveries inside the home? Uh, yes. As with self-driving cars, media hype combined with consumer naiveté are, as always, regrettable enablers.
CES 2018 is off to a noisy, rainy and motion-filled start. The 
017 was an interesting year -- 2018 should overcome a few obstacles. Probably the most significant innovation during 2017 was the growth of the 
It is the time of convenience – and of non-stop hacking into everything. 