It's clear to everyone that the world is becoming increasingly digitalised and with new products coming to market that further create new opportunities for us in our daily lives, this trend is set to continue. Voice computing is the latest technology innovation exploding in popularity around the globe. Formerly an idea just reserved for science fiction films and novels, using your voice to control devices of all types is now a reality.

Products such as Alexa Echo Dot, Google Voice and Siri are leading the way in demonstrating how voice technology can transform your daily life. This relatively new technology has seen a huge surge in popularity over the last couple of years, with Amazon claiming that sales of products in their Echo range increased nine-fold year-on-year*. Morgan Stanley also estimate that there were 11m purchases of Amazon’s Alexa Echo Dot between mid-2015 and December 1^st 2016**, further emphasising the consumer appetite for these devices.

The use of voice technology is one of many trends in the technological world which make up the so-called “Internet of Things”, the term used to describe the connected network of devices, buildings and vehicles which collate and exchange data. Anyone thinking this is merely a fad should pay attention to management consultancy McKinsey & Company, which estimates that the industry will be worth US$6.2 trillion by 2025***. To give an indication of the potential size of the market, in 2016 Apple posted revenues of US$215 billion****.

So why is voice technology becoming increasingly popular and what is so good about it? When this technology was first launched, it was easy to disregard it as a lazy option, seen as useful only for allowing you to turn the lights on without having to move. But with increasing awareness of the opportunities this presents, these devices are now being viewed very differently.

The beauty of this technology is that it is incredibly easy to use; a world of information is just a phrase away. Products such as Alexa Echo Dot are compatible with most smart home devices so everything can be controlled centrally using just your voice. There are plenty of everyday uses for this technology from dimming the lights to finding the perfect place to eat. Or you can use it to choose a soundtrack on Spotify or iTunes to get ready to, as well as take part in a yoga class.

Controlling these devices or gathering information has never been more straightforward. For those on holiday, Alexa Echo Dot can act as an e-butler offering tips and advice on activities and popular sights.  A simple question such as “Alexa, where is the nearest Chinese restaurant?” or “Alexa, what time does the shopping centre close?” will get you a useful response and make planning your itinerary easier than ever. Using Alexa, you can find information on museum exhibitions as well as directions, restaurant menus, train timetables and even more in-depth travel guides. If you want to find the nearest McDonalds the Alexa will help and you can even pre-order a coffee from Starbucks so it is ready and waiting for you, with no need to queue.

Another handy feature is that Alexa can convert currency instantly. Any traveller will know how important it is to keep an eye on your spending and to know exactly how much something is worth. Simply ask “Alexa, $10 into Ringgit” or “Alexa, 3,000 Indonesian Rupiah into dollars” and you'll know you won't be overcharged again.  Such information is hugely useful to tourists, especially if you've left your guidebook at home! It is now easier than ever to plan your days out, allowing you to discover everything you might need to know before heading out the door. The fact that you can find out all this information whilst getting dressed makes it even better!

One of the key features which makes Alexa Echo Dot, in particular, hugely popular is that there are constant updates to enhance the system. For example, you can add new “skills” as they become available, whether that is booking a table in your favourite restaurant or relaxing to a meditation soundtrack.

As the technology continues to grow and ever-increasing amounts of investment are plowed into future development, almost anything is possible in the future. There is a huge amount of excitement surrounding the possibilities that this trend offers. One thing is for certain, you'll be seeing a lot more of voice-controlled technology in the near future!

*According to sales figures from Amazon, comparing the 2016 Christmas period to the previous year.

**According to Morgan Stanley data.

*** Figures from McKinsey & Company report The Internet of Things: Sizing up the opportunity, December 2013.

**** Figures according to Apple, taken from statista.com.