Apple Develops Anti-Trigger Feature for Voice Assistants

Reading Time
1 min
Published
November 7, 2024
Source
engadget.com

Apple Develops Anti-Trigger Feature for Voice Assistants

Key Takeaway

Apple develops feature to prevent unintended voice assistant activation from ads

Summary

Apple is developing a feature to prevent voice assistants from responding to unintended triggers in adverts. Using the Shazam API, it matches audio from device microphones against downloaded fingerprints. When matched, the Siri trigger is disabled. Currently in the HomePod's software, it may expand to other Apple devices.

Business Implications

**For digital advertisers and marketers:** You'll need to rethink your audio-based ad strategies. Apple's move could render 'Hey Siri' triggers in ads ineffective, potentially reducing their impact and reach. Consider developing alternative call-to-action methods that don't rely on voice assistant triggers. **For smart home device manufacturers:** This development may pressure you to implement similar features to maintain competitive parity. Start exploring audio fingerprinting technologies or partnerships to enhance your devices' user experience. **For app developers:** If this feature expands to other Apple devices, you might need to adjust how your apps interact with Siri. Prepare for potential changes in Siri's behavior during media playback or in noisy environments.

Future Outlook

Expect a ripple effect across the voice assistant ecosystem. Google and Amazon may follow suit, leading to industry-wide changes in how voice assistants handle triggers. This could spark innovation in context-aware AI, pushing the boundaries of ambient computing. Anticipate a shift in audio advertising techniques. Marketers will likely pivot to more creative, non-trigger based calls-to-action in audio ads. This might accelerate the development of interactive audio ad formats that don't rely on voice assistant triggers. Look for increased focus on privacy-enhancing features in smart devices. Apple's move signals growing attention to inadvertent data collection, potentially leading to new standards in always-listening device design and user control over voice activation.