# Speaker Companion Kid-friendly features are being introduced to smart speaker systems. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Oct 25, 2019 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/speaker-companion ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Speaker Companion trend? **Speaker Companion:** As the concept of the smart home is expanding and voice-control becomes a common feature of products, kid-friendly features enter the user interface of AI home assistants. These features engage, entertain and monitor children--alleviating some parental stress. ## The consumer insight behind the Speaker Companion trend Being part of a digital-savvy generation, Millennials invite technology to play a formative part in their child's life. The integration of these features into the home allows for the parental aids to be omnipresent and close by when needed, adding a layer of convenience and security. In turn, this soothes the stress some might experience when they attempt to juggle life's tasks -- from going to work and doing chores to cooking meals for their kids and keeping up with the news. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 9, 2019 to Oct 12, 2020 - Published: Oct 25, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Speaker Companion trend ### Kid-friendly smart home features As voice-control becomes a common feature of AI home assistants, kid-friendly features enter the user interface of smart speakers to engage, entertain and monitor children. ### Tech interventions in family life As technology becomes more integrated into family life, new forms of tech interventions are being adapted to intimate moments, such as storytime. ### Screenless audio solutions Consumers are turning to screen-less listening toys and smart speakers as a way to reduce screen time and stimulate children's curiosity and imagination. ## What the Speaker Companion trend means for industry ### For Smart home technology Smart speaker systems with kid-friendly features and voice-control are a growing trend in the smart home technology industry. ### For Toy manufacturing Screen-less listening toys and interactive audio systems, like the TonieBox, present a disruptive innovation opportunity for the toy manufacturing industry. ### For Child development and education The integration of kid-friendly features into smart speakers and voice-assistants has the potential to impact child development and education - representing a market opportunity for innovation. ## Workshop question How can a voice-assisting feature enhance the feeling of companionship for your product? ## Trend signals for Speaker Companion Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 84%, activity 58%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 84% - Activity: 58% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Speaker Companion trend 4 featured examples from Feb 9, 2019 to Oct 12, 2020. - [Child-Targeted Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-amazon-echo-dot-kids-edition): The New Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition Has a Customizable Design (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop educational technology solutions that align with the content and functionality of child-targeted smart speakers, providing enhanced lear… - [Screen-Free Story Time Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storypod-smart-speaker): The 'StoryPod' Smart Speaker Plays Stories, Music and More (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for educational institutions and toy companies to create screen-free educational tools that are interactive and engaging. - [Screen-Free Story Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toniebox): The TonieBox is a Clever Toy that Plays Stories and Songs (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: There is an opportunity for toy manufacturers to create more screen-less and interactive toys that support active play and imagination. - [Storytime-Enhancing Home Assistant Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistant-feature): Google Home & Disney Add a Sense of Magic to Bed Time (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Smart home gadget developers and makers can leverage collaboration with entertainment companies to create immersive storytime experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)