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We’re entering a new era of computing where advances in AI and machine learning are providing a more natural way to communicate with machines.
Being able to talk to computers diminishes the need for traditional ‘user interfaces’ like screens and given it mimics the way we naturally communicate with each other, it’s no wonder the technology is blowing up.
The Amazon Echo, which can call up music tracks and radio stations, tell jokes, answer trivia questions and control smart appliances; was already resident in about 4% of American households prior to Christmas. Voice assistants are proliferating in smartphones, too: Apple’s Siri handles over 2bn commands a week, and 20% of Google searches on Android-powered handsets in America are input by voice. ComScore predicts that 50% of all searches will be via voice by 2020.
However, as with all emerging technologies there are fundamental issues such as machines still not understanding the meaning of language and devices always listening.
In this event our panel will be discussing:
- Opportunities for introducing conversational interfaces improving customer experience and internal processes – including bots & virtual assistants
- Conversational design and why it matters
- The trade-off between convenience and privacy
- Current limitations of the technology
PANELLISTS
Nick Howden - CEO, Real Thing
Nick is the CEO of Real Thing, a company delivering next-generation solutions which use natural language for interacting with and controlling the devices around us - faster, smarter, more natural. The company was formed in 2008 by a team of technology and business leaders specialising in Speech Dialogue Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Behaviour and Emotion Modelling.
Nick has worked on commercialising leading edge software and technology for more than 20 years. He has extensive experience in intelligent software, simulation and training across the defence, emergency management and accessibility markets.
Melinda Jennings – Copywriter, Avion Communications
Melinda is a copywriter for content agency Avion Communications. For the last 6 years she has worked in the SEO and digital copywriting space, across a varied spectrum of clients, industries, and project types. More recently, she’s used these skills to jump into projects involving writing for chatbots. With her existing content strategy and writing skills, Melinda has been able to adapt to this emerging technology and formulate best practices for chatbot, AI, and voice search writing.
Ed Sartori - Senior Digital Producer, Versa Agency
Ed heads up the production team at Versa; Australia’s first enterprise level voice experience agency. He managed the delivery of Amazon Alexa Skills for Dominos, Flight Centre and Village Cinemas in time for the Alexa launch in Australia. Ed now actively works on a number of branded voice experiences across Alexa and Google Assistant as well as holding hack events to help brands explore voice as a technology for innovation.
Ticket price includes drinks, light refreshments and a copy of the event report.
