Tomorrows World

1st September 2022

Back in 2013, the head of Google’s search ranking team, Amit Singhal, stated that he had an ambition for Google to replicate the Star Trek computer LCARS (Library Computer Access/Retrieval System). Born in 1968, Singhal must have been impressed by the futuristic technology when LCARS made it’s first appearance in Star Trek: The Next Generation, in 1987.

Of course, Google Assistant isn’t the only game in town with Alexa being the main competitor in the same market (although we shouldn’t forget Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana). Both Alexa and Google have their strengths: Alexa dominates in terms of music quality but Google is considered superior in terms of request accuracy. Both have become as close to their fictional inspiration as contemporary technology will allow.

For businesses wishing to track website activity, Google haven’t forgotten you and include these searches in their analytical reporting tool: Google Analytics. Results data shows that spoken search queries have increased dramatically in the last decade, although currently these relate mostly to navigational queries and phone call functions. The expectation is that spoken search queries will continue to increase in volume and sophistication. For one thing its quicker – we speak at about 150 words per minute whereas we type at around 40. It’s also easier when your hands/eyes are occupied e.g. driving or cooking, or when the screen is too tiny read, and it will certainly play a greater role in the smart home revolution.

Like Captain Jean-Luc Picard, we can already stride around the home-ship barking commands to our own LCARS and cause lights/music/temperature control to turn on and off, shopping to be ordered and information conveyed etc. but what else might be in store? Artificial intelligence is already ubiquitous in our digital lives and the momentum is building. Exciting developments are already underway in the entertainment sector, medicine, cyber security, transportation and independent living.  I just hope that in the future my meals won’t be made by a vending machine!