Why voice computers always fail

Introduction

Voice-based computing has undergone a series of challenging years recently. Microsoft's Cortana, for example, failed so spectacularly that Microsoft shut it down without any direct replacement. Meanwhile, Amazon's Alexa business was also a colossal failure, losing $ 1 billion per year, which was more than what some tech giants like Airbnb made in total revenue. The scale of this operation and its subsequent failure is difficult to comprehend.

Jeff Bezos reportedly pushed for Amazon to dominate the voice computing sector, aiming to make Alexa the next big platform, rivaling smartphones and computers. However, despite spending tens of billions of dollars over a decade, the average consumer mainly used Alexa for basic tasks like setting timers and controlling smart home devices.

Google fared slightly better but still experienced setbacks, with no new devices dedicated to Google Assistant being released by either Google or its hardware partners like Lenovo for almost three full years. Meanwhile, Apple has not shared much about layoffs, but the lack of significant updates to Siri suggests that Apple's voice assistant is also lagging.

While voice assistants have improved slowly over time, the category has largely been a massive disappointment. Not a single tech giant has figured out how to make substantial profits or enable users to complete complex tasks using voice-based computing platforms even after 12 years of their existence.

Despite these setbacks, new companies like Humane and Meta are promising that the next wave of voice-based computers is on the horizon. These companies claim that new advancements will finally turn voice and natural language into the interface of the future. The Humane AI Pin and the Meta Ray-Ban glasses are two such devices that promise major upgrades:

1. Generative AI: Instead of simple pre-programmed responses, these new devices feature real generative AI, which makes them significantly smarter and more flexible.

2. Built-in Cameras: With cameras built-in and advanced computer vision, these devices can analyze their surroundings, potentially offering impressive interactions.

3. Wearability: These devices are wearable and always on, reducing the friction in interacting with them.

These advancements sound promising, especially for people with bad vision or elderly individuals who struggle with traditional computing interfaces. However, the idea of replacing smartphones with these new voice-based devices seems comically out of touch with reality.

Humane, for instance, markets its AI Pin as a future replacement for smartphones, even though the device itself cannot be entirely set up without a computer. It has a basic screen that projects a monochrome image onto your palm and is controlled with gestures—hardly a replacement for a modern smartphone.

Voice-powered computing faces several fundamental challenges:

1. Public Usage: Voice commands are not practical in public spaces due to privacy concerns and the annoyance of everyone talking to their devices.

2. Information Speed: Voice input and audio output are slow and linear compared to the fast, multi-lane information highway offered by screens.

3. Precision: Humans are not particularly precise with speech, making it a poor input method for complex tasks required in computing.

Therefore, while voice AI can be a cool addition to our gadgets, it is not suitable as the main interface for general computing needs. Meta's Ray-Ban glasses serve as a better model, using voice as an additional capability rather than a replacement.

Voice assistants on smartphones make sense as they provide a range of input methods suitable for different tasks, but the idea that voice will replace the smartphone as we know it is not feasible.

While the Humane AI Pin isn't recommended, products from companies like iFixit offer practical solutions for tech enthusiasts. iFixit provides quality repair tools and manuals, allowing users to fix their existing devices rather than contributing to electronic waste.

Keywords

• Voice-based computing
• Microsoft Cortana
• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Apple Siri
• Generative AI
• Humane AI Pin
• Meta Ray-Ban glasses
• Wearable technology
• Privacy concerns
• Precision input
• Smartphone replacement
• iFixit

FAQ

Q: Why have voice assistants like Cortana and Alexa failed? A: Despite significant investments, these assistants mainly perform basic tasks and have not found ways to generate substantial revenue or handle complex actions effectively.

Q: What makes the new wave of voice-based devices like Humane AI Pin and Meta Ray-Ban glasses different? A: These new devices incorporate generative AI, built-in cameras for advanced interactions, and are wearable, offering a more seamless and intelligent experience.

Q: Can voice-based computing replace smartphones? A: No, numerous limitations, including privacy concerns, slower information processing, and a lack of precision in voice input, make it unsuitable as a complete replacement.

Q: What are the fundamental shortcomings of voice-powered interfaces? A: The main issues include challenges in public usage, slower and linear information processing compared to screens, and the imprecision of human speech for complex tasks.

Q: Are there any practical applications of voice AI in current technology? A: Yes, voice AI can be a helpful addition for quick interactions and specific tasks, like controlling smart home devices or assisting in scenarios where hands-free operation is beneficial.