Although there are many smart speaker apps which make the lives of seniors easier, consumers have reaffirmed their actual use of smart speakers with three killer apps Ask a question, listen to music and check the weather [2]. In addition,there are several other Apps which are popular with users today:

1. Set an Alarm
2. Set a Timer
3. Listen to the Radio

Studies shows that a high percent of smart speaker users,use these apps on a daily and a monthly basis.

Seniors Wish List

As we know voice and smart speaker are only in their infancy, many new killer apps will emerge with time. Tech Enhanced Life working with their community of older adults explore the future of aging, and the intersection of aging and technology. Follow is a summary of the “wish-list” of what these Senior are looking for from their Voice Assistant/Smart Speaker devices [4]:

 Be an appealing, charming "companion"

  • Engages me in scintillating conversation; expand my mind and keep me company
  • Be someone I can talk to
  • Plays movies for me on demand
  • Reads books to me
  • Provides a daily health checkup
  • Be my friend

    •  Keeps me engaged

  • Lets me remotely visit (video chat) my aunt
  • Provides an abstract of the day's news
  • Talks to me in the language of my choice

    •  Reminds me such as

  • Does Medication reminders
  • Dispenses pills and medication in the correct amounts
  • Reminds me to take a drink so I stay hydrated
  • Reminds me of my appointments

    •  Be my "virtual assistant"

  • Answers the phone, emails and texts
  • Sends texts I tell it to send
  • Makes phone calls for me
  • Controls my lights, locks, thermostat, smoke and burglar alarms

    • burglar alarms

     Monitor Safety and Wellness

  • Monitors my safety
  • Calls 911 if it notices problems or when asked.
  • Enables family and friends to monitor
  • Monitors health

    • Conclusion

    As of writing of this article (early 2020), we believe that smart speakers with the help of some killer apps have crossed being a fad. We now believe that new killer apps will be developed, and uptake of smart speakers and voice applications will increase. We also believe that usefulness of these apps will increase and will increasingly helpseniors with quality of life and ability to live healthily and independently.

    Sirona.TV is Alexa for Seniors, is a voice companion, created for seniors, answers senior’s questions, provides weather information and plays music. Check out sirona.tv at
    how sirona.tv works.

    References

    1. Amazon Echo and Alexa for the Elderly : https://www.techenhancedlife.com/explorers/amazon-echo-and-alexa-elderly
    2. Smart Speaker Owners Agree That Questions, Music, and Weather are Killer Apps. What Comes Next? - https://voicebot.ai/2019/03/12/smart-speaker-owners-agree-that-questions...
    3. Voice Assistant Demographic Data: https://voicebot.ai/2019/06/21/voice-assistant-demographic-data-young-co...
    4. 4. Sirona.TV – Alexa like voice companion for Seniors : https://sirona.tv/how-does-sirona-tv-work/

    Author's Bio: 

    I am a traveller and food blogger. I would love to explore new cities and cuisines.
    In short I am a typical coffee addict, social media obsessed millennial.
    I love to write on travel, healthy lifestyle and fashion.