Keep calm and Amazon

30

September

2021

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Source: https://internetofbusiness.com/amazon-unveils-its-new-alexa-smart-home-car-devices/

These days, consumers are flooded with smart devices for the home. Like Google, there is Amazon, which certainly can deliver good products, too. Following this trend, Amazon is expanding the functions related to personalization of its smart devices to make them more useful (Hautala, 2021). As a user, you can either be happy about this or not. Both the Ring security cameras and Alexa smart speakers are known, for example, for tracking users and their surroundings (Hautala, 2021). Amazon wants to change this by not collecting all the personal data.

Amazon recently revealed updates for both Ring and Echo products that result in incremental improvement in user privacy (Hautala, 2021). As opposed to storing data in Amazon’s cloud, the bottom line is that people will feel more comfortable when their personal information is processed on its security cameras and smart devices.

Users of the smart devices have the option to store and process information locally, meaning that the data will remain on their devices (Hautala, 2021). However, the question is how trustworthy you consider the devices to be as a user. People who are very keen on privacy are on distance from these types of devices, so the new features will not provide a solution about devices that can always keep an eye on you (Hautala, 2021).

Personally, I believe that privacy is indeed a big factor when considering smart devices, but I do reflect on how prominently I want to place the privacy factor in my life. Using Amazon as an example, as opposed to an Alexia speaker I am likely to buy devices that relate to home security, for example Ring.

Now that Amazon is introducing the option to store data locally, knowing that information is still being captured, I am curious to know to what extent you want to make your home smart and whether privacy is a big factor for you to consider if you actually want to buy smart devices.

Reference

Hautala, L. (2021, September 29). Amazon unwraps privacy features as it tries to roll deeper into your home. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazon-rolls-out-privacy-features-as-it-tries-to-get-deeper-into-your-house/

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Chatbot Explosion

18

September

2021

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Chatbots are popping up more and more at companies. As primarily it was used in customer service, but the shift has also taken place in improving customer experience (CX), business efficiencies, and these are just a few to name it. Chatbots are often termed as virtual agents, digital assistants, virtual customer assistants, and conversational AI bots.

Unforgettable COVID-19

COVID-19 is working as a catalyst for 76 percent of enterprises to invest in long-term IT reforms [1]. Due to the COVID-19 situation, businesses are digitizing to safeguard staff and service consumers who are experiencing mobility issues. Artificial intelligence-powered (AI-powered) chatbot spending will reach $78 billion in 2022, a massive increase from the $24 billion forecast in 2018 [1]. Software is the fastest-growing technology category, with AI/cognitive systems accounting for 40% of the market, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43% [1]. Deep learning and machine learning applications (wide applications across all sectors) and conversational AI are the two verticals where investments are concentrated (chatbots, personal assistants, virtual agents, etc.). The United States has the greatest market in conversational AI in terms of size and growth, while Southeast Asia has the fastest CAGR [1]. With increased private equity investment in AI/machine learning, the United States will dominate the incorporation of conversational AI. Furthermore, rising government spending on AI-powered technology will hasten industry expansion. The demand for increased functionality and value is driving an explosion of investment and interest as more consumers and businesses employ chatbots.

Explosion? Why?

When it comes to quick answers, 74% of customers end up choosing AI chatbots [1]. Companies who use AI chatbots in retail have witnessed a 47 percent increase in efficiency, a 40 percent increase in inventiveness, and a 36 percent increase in helpfulness [1]. Increased need for lower AI chatbot development costs, greater customer service, and omni-channel development are all driving growth.

Roadblock?

Although the chatbot market is still in its early stages, Europe lags behind other countries because to data privacy, ethical concerns, fear of failure, and market uncertainty [1]. The language barrier is now the most significant obstacle in the way of chatbots in underdeveloped countries. It would be straightforward if all interactions were conducted in English. Other languages, on the other hand, can be far more sophisticated in terms of syntax and organization. To feel natural to customers and so improve the customer experience, chatbots must be schooled in the complexities of the language [1].

Each organization that commits to a chatbot in its business operations decides for itself the regulations regarding the development of the chatbot. Among other factors, a chatbot can handle sensitive data. So here and there may vary the extent to which the chatbot is transparent.

I personally believe that it should be clearly stated in advance what will be done with the data and in whose hands it ends up. If I would like to use a chatbot myself, the questions will refer to more informative answers that you can get within a split second via the chat. No more and no less.

Now, I am curious to what extent will you trust a chatbot with sharing data (for example, personal data) and why?

[1] Hoang, T. (2021, 17 mei). The AI Chatbot Explosion in Various Regions around the World. Discover.Bot. https://discover.bot/bot-talk/ai-chatbot-in-various-regions/

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