Speak Now

I recently downloaded the Google app because I had heard about the Voice Search capability. I own a last generation iPod Touch and have not been able to use Siri on it because Apple prevented me from doing so from day one. I could speculate why all I want but it is obvious that the technology would have worked on my device because the Voice feature in the Google app works flawlessly.

I first tested the app by saying “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood.” as fast as I could. The Voice Search feature picked up on every word. I then preceded to use it to look up local businesses. I said “restaurants nearby” and it happily displayed every restaurant within 50 miles of my location. What I did not know at the time was that the app talks back to you. I had the sound muted from being in an earlier situation where I didn’t want to be disturbed. After I realized that the app was talking back, I realized that this was the Google equivalent of Siri and that I was finally free to use this technology after Apple had prevented me from doing so for so long. Of course, my child like curiosity kicked in and I started asking questions geared more toward having fun with the app. I asked what my name was, and the responded by saying "Oh, no! Did you forget your name?" and displayed amnesia information. I thanked the app and it responded by saying "You're welcome." and displayed greeting card information.

The app does run into trouble when there are multiple people talking in a room. However, the app doesn’t seem to pick up on conversations in the background to be translated as search results. Instead, it just sort of hangs, listens, and waits for the background conversation to stop before it displays the search terms you provide to it which is a relief. This means that it is safe to use the app around potty mouthed individuals without fear that it will inadvertently search for porn.

The only other issue that I had was when I was trying to search for a word that the app kept mistaking for a number. Apparently, it can’t differentiate between '2' 'to' and 'too' as easily as a human can. Perhaps more context algorithms can be added to the app in the future.

Despite these minor issues, I am impressed. I believe that this is more than a gimmick way to interact with one’s device. We are living in a world of touch screens and voice activated computers that was imagined by Gene Roddenberry not too long ago. This technology can only get better over time.

What do you think? Do you use voice controls? If so, do you like using them? Sound off in the comments.