The Amazon Echo speaker device was already an incredibly high-tech and desirable contraption even before it added this latest new functionality that allows you to use the speaker to request an Uber.
All you have to do is use the Amazon digital assistant 'Alexa'. You can use different sentences to ask Alexa to get you an Uber, including "request me a ride", "call me a ride", "get me an Uber" and "call me a taxi".
The Amazon Echo can now be used to order pizza, stream music on Spotify and request an Uber. This functionality speaks to Amazon's desire to have its speakers and wireless voice command system do a whole lot more than just help you to listen to and stream music.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Smart Speaker Integration with Services
- Amazon Echo's integration with Uber speaks to the trend of smart speaker devices integrating with services beyond their original functionality.
- Speech Recognition Technology
- The use of Alexa's speech recognition technology to request Uber through Amazon Echo sets a trend for speech recognition technology.
- Demand for More Convenience
- The popularity of using Amazon Echo to order pizza, stream music, and request an Uber points towards a trend for consumers demanding more convenience through smart speakers.
Where This Applies
- Ride-sharing/taxi Services
- The integration of Amazon Echo with Uber creates a disruptive innovation opportunity in the ride-sharing or taxi service industry.
- Smart Speaker Devices
- The trend of smart speakers becoming more integrated with services, like Amazon Echo's integration with Uber, creates a disruptive innovation opportunity for the smart speaker device industry.
- Speech Recognition Technology Development
- Speech recognition technology, as demonstrated by Alexa's ability to request an Uber, is becoming increasingly important, creating a disruptive innovation opportunity in speech recognition technology development.
