# Voice-Control Mainstream Voice recognition and assistant technology uses move beyond security. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 22, 2015 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/voicecontrol-mainstream ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Voice-Control Mainstream trend? **Voice-Control Mainstream:** Voice-control technology and voice-activated assistants have extended into social and service applications. Thanks to a convergence of voice recognition programs and apps, consumers are now able to login and perform a number of tasks all hands-free. This progression speaks to the ever-evolving relationship between consumers and technology, as well as the interest in more unobtrusive interfaces. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 4 to Oct 17, 2015 - Published: Oct 22, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Voice-Control Mainstream trend ### Voice-Control Technology Voice-control technology and voice-activated assistants are expanding into social and service applications with the rise of voice recognition programs and apps. ### Hands-Free Technology Technology that allows users to perform tasks hands-free, such as the hands-free parking app 'Park!' and voice-controlled mobile banking app developed by Dutch ING bank, is on the rise. ### Gesture and Voice-Controlled Devices Devices like the Elbee smart wireless headphones that can be controlled by both voice and gesture commands are becoming more prevalent in the tech industry. ## What the Voice-Control Mainstream trend means for industry ### For Automotive and Transportation Industry The hands-free parking app 'Park!' represents an innovative opportunity for car manufacturers to integrate voice recognition and parking technology into their products. ### For Banking and Finance Industry The voice-controlled mobile banking app developed by ING Bank represents an opportunity for other financial institutions to embrace voice recognition technology for secure and convenient banking solutions. ### For Wearable Technology Industry The Pebble Time Smartwatch app that supports voice recognition represents an opportunity for other smartwatch manufacturers to invest in voice recognition technology to simplify smartwatch functionality. ## Workshop question How can you further streamline the UI of your product to simplify consumer interaction? ## Trend signals for Voice-Control Mainstream Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Voice-Control Mainstream trend 5 featured examples from Jun 4 to Oct 17, 2015. - [Streaming-Enabled Voice Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ivee-voice): The ivee Voice System Connects to Spotify and Can Order an Uber (Category: Tech) Implication: The smart home industry can benefit from developing more affordable voice assistant smart hubs with programmable features. - [Voice Recognition Smartwatch Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pebble-time-smartwatch-app): The Pebble Time Smartwatch App Supports Voice Recognition (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop smartwatches with enhanced voice recognition capabilities to meet user demand. - [Gesture-Controlled Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-wireless-headphones): Voice and Motion Commands Control These Smart Wireless Headphones (Category: Tech) Implication: The wearable technology industry can explore integrating gesture and voice controls into their products to enhance user experience and create competitive advantages. - [Hands-Free Banking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ing-customers): Dutch ING Customers are Able to Transfer Money by Speaking Out Loud (Category: Tech) Implication: Fintech companies can capitalize on voice-controlled mobile banking technology to offer innovative and secure solutions to customers. - [Hands-Free Parking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handsfree-parking): 'Park!' is a New App That Guides Drivers to the Nearest Free Spot (Category: Autos) Implication: Disrupting conventional parking methods in the transportation industry and paving the way for efficient and secure parking solutions. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)