What makes Voice First special for older adults? This blog has discussed the emergence of Voice First technology -- speech-enabled interactions with technology -- on multiple occasions. But this occasion is different -- it marks the publication of a research effort and resulting report linked here called The Future of Voice First Technology and Older Adults 2018. Today's blog post offers a short excerpt of key differences between Voice First technology and prior tech generations that apply to all users – but are unique for seniors -- future research will continue to explore that uniqueness. So what has inspired multiple organizations, including Benchmark Senior Living and Carlsbad by the Sea, to begin their programs? They see that while Voice First technology is an early market with some (noted) limitations, it also represents, unlike prior technology generations, benefits for users. For users and tech managers, Voice First is:
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.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2020 View: Your Blueprint for the Longevity Economy, the 15thAnnual What's Next Boomer Business Summit, hosted by Mary Furlong and Associates, has announced its agenda for March 28th, 2018, in San Francisco, California.
Tech with applicability in the older adult market. The Digital Health event is also covered in detail through MobiliHealth news and more than a few of those announcements, not even counting the plethora of tech that addresses diabetes and brain health, could benefit older adults. And more expert and more detailed (and analytical writing) about new tech at CES reveals a few more offerings that could be useful for older adults if applied to that market. Here are five – more when there’s more:
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:
What makes Voice First special for older adults? This blog has discussed the 
Tech with applicability in the older adult market. The Digital Health event is also covered 
017 was an interesting year -- 2018 should overcome a few obstacles. Probably the most significant innovation during 2017 was the growth of the 