Speech Technology eWeekly - May 16, 2018

Features

GDPR Implications for Speech Technology

With regard to AI-enabled devices like Siri and Alexa that listen to surrounding conversations, vendors will likely have to gain permission from European consumers to record and store voices, and ensure that downstream applications are GDPR-compliant as well.

Why Virtual Assistants Need to Up Their UX Game

More than 2 billion people are expected to use conversational AI to interact with virtual personal assistants this year. But the dropoff rate is higher than you'd expect.

Speech Technology News

Google Duplex Mimics Human Conversation, Raises Concerns

Duplex, which can use speech disfluencies like "um" and "ah" to sound more human—perhaps too human—can also make phone calls and appointments.

Echo Dot for Kids Raises Concerns for Lawmakers

Amazon started shipping its Echo Dot for kids last week, and it's already raised concerns for two lawmakers.

CareCloud Connects with SayIt Medical Speech Recognition Technology from nVoq

As medical practices seek ways to reduce time spent on low-value administrative tasks, CareCloud has added a new option for powerful speech recognition technology that reduces click-based tasks in EHRs and makes clinical documentation smarter and more personal.

Microsoft Speech Devices SDK Addresses Noisy Environments

Earlier this week, at its annual BUILD conference, Microsoft announced plans to launch Speech Devices, a somewhat confusing name, for a software development kit (SDK) for audio processing across multiple channels.

Progress Enables Developers to Add Chatbots to Apps Using Telerik and Kendo UI

Progress, a provider of application development and deployment technologies, announced the addition of conversational UI components for Telerik and Kendo UI, a packaged set of user interface (UI) components built specifically for chatbots.

Notable Introduces Wearable Voice-Powered Assistant for Physicians

Notable, an emerging provider of voice-powered healthcare solutions, launched at HLTH to deliver the first wearable voice-powered smart assistant for physicians

Market Spotlights

Market Spotlight: Travel and Hospitality

Transforming the travel experience through voice