Description: Voice commerce refers to the use of voice recognition technology to facilitate online shopping. This innovative form of commerce allows consumers to make transactions using voice commands, eliminating the need to physically interact with devices like keyboards or touch screens. Through virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, users can search for products, compare prices, and complete purchases simply by speaking. This technology not only enhances accessibility for people with disabilities but also offers a faster and more convenient shopping experience. As artificial intelligence and natural language processing continue to evolve, voice commerce is becoming an integral part of the e-commerce ecosystem, enabling brands to interact with consumers in more personalized and efficient ways.
History: Voice commerce began to gain popularity in the late 2010s, driven by the rise of virtual assistants. In 2014, Amazon launched Echo, a smart speaker that incorporated Alexa, its voice assistant, marking a milestone in the integration of voice into commerce. Since then, other companies have developed their own voice commerce platforms, expanding shopping possibilities through voice commands. As voice recognition technology has improved, voice commerce has evolved, allowing for more complex and personalized transactions.
Uses: Voice commerce is primarily used for making online purchases, searching for products, and obtaining information about prices and availability. It is also employed for creating wish lists and shopping reminders, as well as for placing recurring orders for products. Additionally, brands are using voice commerce to interact with consumers through targeted advertising campaigns and promotions, leveraging the ability of voice assistants to personalize the user experience.
Examples: An example of voice commerce is Amazon Alexa’s ability to allow users to purchase products from Amazon simply by saying ‘Alexa, order toilet paper.’ Another case is the use of Google Assistant to search for restaurants and make reservations through voice commands. Additionally, some brands have developed specific apps that enable users to order food or products quickly and easily using just their voice.
