Singing in the shower is one of life’s simple pleasures. You never sound better than with the acoustics of tile and soap bubbles surrounding you. But did you know your voice is also the key to unlocking the year’s most innovative technology?
In this issue, we explore Voice tech and how it’s being used for training, it’s connection to AI, and the surprising ways it is helping businesses move on post-pandemic. Voice, after all, is one of the most natural ways to interface with technology, and it’s grown exponentially because it’s such an easy thing to engage with. There’s no special training required!
With smartphones, smart cars, home speakers, and voice-enabled appliances surrounding us, you’ve probably already conversed with a virtual assistant. Tell me how you see Voice working for your organization. Let’s continue the conversation via email, Teams, or with a call.
Edward Tuorinsky
Managing Principal
DTS
Edward.Tuorinsky@consultDTS.com
571.403.1841
The Technology That is Transforming Workplace Learning
Organizations are looking for training options that appeal to employees. More and more the most cost-effective and convenient option is Voice. How can it be used to retain and empower teams to drive organizations forward?
Just-in-time learning and microlearning.
Because voice allows workers to learn as they multitask, making inquiries or retrieving information right at the moment it’s needed, and in small bites, both of which are better for immediately applying and retaining the information.
Trends to watch for: all-hands voice messages, organization-produced podcasts and flash briefings.
Efficiency.
People talk four times faster than they type, so audible communication can save crucial hours, saving time on common tasks like writing emails or reports.
Trends to watch for: Voice-to-text tech for writing emails, reports.
Personal experience.
Voice keeps employees engaged and allows personality to come through with the intended tone – which can’t often be managed via an email or text.
Trends to watch for: Instant feedback or advice, motivational messages to encourage learners.
Accessibility.
Audio learning can be utilized by nearly everyone, with options for live transcription text for those with hearing issues. And voice training can be used anytime and anywhere, making it convenient for employees to learn outside of the typical workday.
Trends to watch for: Audio training designed to be consumed while an employee commutes, exercises, or relaxes; video learning in place of face-to-face meetings or conferences; video coaching sessions.
Read the full article here.
Don’t Touch
Why voice is the solution we need to recover from COVID
Voice may just be the solution that helps businesses innovate and adapt to a world changed by the pandemic.
Imagine the possibilities of simply adding voice interfaces to existing products: No-touch, voice-enabled options to interact with any device around us or to complete routine transactions including self-checkout in stores, ATMs, airport interactive maps, and nearly everything else that currently uses a touchscreen. As brick-and-mortar retail stores reopen, some services there can shift from human-to-human to human-to-virtual assistant, once again relying on Voice interfaces.
A recent NPR report indicated that smart speaker usage shot up during the quarantine, and with it, opportunities for brands that have traditionally relied on in-person marketing and sales. Voice allows you to experience brands in new ways too. Consider some of the new experiences built just for Voice.
- Wellness: A virtual coach can listen and provide support and encouragement – and guide users through meditation, exercise, building healthier habits, and other self-care procedures.
- Revamping entertainment: Large-scale events, as we know them, are unlikely to take place for the foreseeable future. Yet, the need to connect with audiences remains. Picture being able to listen to your favorite band from the comfort of your living room and being able to ask them what inspired a particular song.
- Elderly care and companionship: While there is no substitute for a human companion during a time of need, a voice assistant can be an entertainer, nurse, trainer, and organizer for the elderly. Voice is an excellent interface for seniors to navigate the digital space.
Read more about how voice can be used post-pandemic @voicebotai
AI Takes Voice Tech to the Next Level
Voice may be its own industry but it’s future is intertwined with artificial intelligence (AI). AI is the basis of voice recognition which, along with natural linguistic programming (NLP), has transformed the industry from its early days of gimmicky “talking” machines to sophisticated voice assistants that fluidly converse, ask questions and offer help. These AI assistants have the potential to disrupt virtually all industries. Top trends for Voice in 2020 are all based on advances in AI, including:
Voice searches: It’s often easier to ask a question verbally than it is to type it out. Using speech commands is faster and allows the user to conduct searches while both hands are busy.
Chatbots: AI-enabled chatbots will take customer service to a whole new level, helping visitors navigate websites and responding to inquiries in natural language.
Voice commands in vehicles: Drawing closer to the goal of autonomous vehicles, speech controls will be essential to initiate self-driving functions quickly and safely without scrolling through menus or touching controls
Improved functionality in voice assistants: Smart speakers already offer an impressive range of functions. Look for more conveniences and collaborations as brand move into people’s homes.
Read more about 7 New Developments for AI and Voice Commands in 2020.
DTS News
DTS is proud to announce that we were named a finalist in the 12th annual SECAF Government Contractor of the Year Awards and the 34th Annual Arlington Best Business Awards. “At DTS, we pride ourselves in creating a collaborative culture that delivers real-world results that meet both our customers’ objectives and intent,” explained DTS Managing Principal Edward Tuorinsky.
Read more about our recent awards.
DTS welcomes Brian Sims and Derek Kernus
Brian Sims, our new Director of Operations, is a recently retired Air Force Officer with a background in logistics and command. He will help set and drive the organizational vision and operating strategy for DTS as well as the performance and growth of our team members.
Derek Kernus, who previously served as a summer consultant at DTS while working on his MBA, will be involved in Business Development and IT Operations. We are excited about this new growth and the contributions both gentlemen will bring to the team.
5 Steps to Federal Digital Transformation
Weeks into the pandemic, as working remotely becomes the new normal, it should be clear which organizations have successfully undergone digital transformation – and which have work to do. If you’re stuck, slowed, or immobilized, use our current crisis as a catalyst. Now is the time to get started. Here are five steps to help.
Continue reading this article by DTS’s Edward Tuorinsky in Federal Times.
Watch It!
Ed also talked about the five steps he has laid out to help agencies move forward in digital transformation on the television show Government Matters.
About DTS
DTS consultants go far beyond just “getting the job done.” We continually find better, more efficient and more effective ways to satisfy the needs of our public- and private- sector clients. DTS provides full lifecycle Management and IT consulting services, and can support your organization by researching and answering specific questions, solving critical issues or helping you plan for the future. Among a crowded field of contractors, DTS stands out for the quality of our people, the power of our approach, and the impact of our results. www.consultDTS.com
Continue the conversation:
Email sales@consultDTS.com or call 571.403.1841
