Siri. Alexa. Cortana.
Once upon a time, those names wouldn’t have meant much. Now, they’re recognized just as much as our favorite one-named wonders (looking at you, Beyoncé).
These digital assistants are now household names. They’re also incorporated into our households, cars, phones, and other areas of our daily lives that we may not even realize.
At this point, we’re used to asking our devices for driving directions, cooking tips, and reminders to pick up our dry cleaning. When did we start having conversations with machines? And how else does this technology affect our daily lives?
In this article, we’ll dig into these questions while also examining how modern businesses use this technology.
What is voice AI technology? There’s a name for the technology behind our favorite virtual personalities. It’s called voice AI or voice artificial intelligence.
Voice AI technology uses artificial intelligence to process, interpret, and respond to spoken language. In other words, it simulates human-like conversations with its users.
Devices like smart speakers, virtual assistants, and voice-activated applications rely on this technology to carry out tasks, answer questions, and perform various functions.
AI voice technology also depends on other types of cutting-edge technology. In short, machine learning allows AI voice systems to personalize a user's experience, natural language processing helps machines interpret and reply using complex sentences, and speech synthesis tech aims to create a human-like speech experience.
How voice AI technology is changing business Beyond reminding us to pick up furry family members at the groomers, AI voice technology is making waves in the business world. It’s completely reinventing how businesses operate and engage with their customers.
Increased efficiency Automated voice systems powered by AI can handle routine tasks, freeing up staff for more complex and strategic responsibilities. A great example would be calling a restaurant to make a reservation. Voice-driven AI for restaurants can handle the entire process so customers get the attention they deserve while staff doesn’t have to hang around the phone just in case someone calls in.
Next-level personalization Some argue that incorporating voice AI technology into business makes things seem more robotic. This can be true depending on the complexity and implementation of certain technology.
However, there have been so many advancements in AI that it actually has the reverse effect. Voice AI technology allows businesses to personalize customer interactions, tailoring responses and services based on individual preferences. This level of customization enhances the overall customer experience.
Data-driven decision making The vast data generated through voice AI interactions gives businesses valuable insights. Analyzing voice data allows businesses to understand customer sentiments, preferences, and trends. This data-driven approach empowers companies to make informed decisions, refine their strategies, and stay ahead of market demands.
How different industries leveraging voice AI The great thing about voice AI is that it can be applied across many industries. Every business aims to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience. Voice AI technology is an incredible way to make that happen.
Here are some ways AI-voice tech is baked into business across industries.
Retail: Enhancing the shopping experience In retail, voice AI is revolutionizing the shopping experience . Customers can use voice-activated assistants to ask about product details, check for availability, and even make purchases seamlessly. This hands-free approach not only improves efficiency for the business but also adds a layer of convenience for shoppers.
Healthcare: Facilitating patient interactions Healthcare providers are integrating voice AI to streamline administrative tasks and improve the patient experience. Appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and basic health inquiries can now be efficiently handled through voice-activated systems, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.
Finance: Simplifying transactions The finance industry is adopting voice AI to simplify banking transactions. Customers can check account balances, transfer funds, and receive personalized financial advice through voice-activated interfaces. This enhances the overall banking experience and accessibility.
Hospitality: Elevating guest services In the hospitality industry, voice AI is transforming guest services. Hotels and resorts are implementing voice-activated devices in rooms to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems. This adds a touch of consistency in quality and enhances the overall guest experience.
Education: Facilitating learning Educational institutions utilize voice AI to enrich how students learn. Virtual assistants can provide students with information, answer questions, and even assist in language learning, fostering a more interactive and engaging educational environment.
Automotive: Improving in-car systems We’re all used to taking to our phones and cars to help us get from point A to point B. In the automotive industry , voice AI is integrated into in-car systems, allowing drivers to control various functions without taking their hands off the wheel. Voice-activated navigation, music control, and hands-free calling contribute to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.
Restaurant industry: Streamlining operations Voice AI is making waves in the restaurant industry. While there are a ton of possible uses, some of the most popular are automating order-taking, managing reservations, and providing assistance through a virtual answering service . This technology enhances efficiency and customer service, providing a more seamless dining experience.
How voice AI technology takes customer experience to new heights We’ve all tried to make an appointment with our doctor or make a change to an upcoming flight and ended up stuck on what feels like an infinite waitlist.
Frustrating touchpoints like that can be—and should be —a thing of the past. With the proliferation of voice AI technology, businesses can invest in systems that can address customers promptly and with personalization.
Take the Genuine Hospitality Group , for example. They struggled to juggle all the calls coming into their restaurants, which left staff feeling busy and customers feeling underappreciated.
Once they brought on Slang, a voice AI-powered phone system, they got some serious results:
Booked more reservations: Slang facilitated 1,200+ voice phone reservations in the last 90 days.Made customers even happier : An impressive 93.8% caller satisfaction rate was recorded in post-call surveys.Gave their staff time back: Over 81% of calls were managed entirely by Slang.ai, reducing the load on human staff.Want to see how Slang.ai can save you in labor costs and find new opportunities for revenue growth? Sign up for a free demo today to see it in action.
