Entertainment device voice control a key feature for 43% of U.S. households

43% of households planning to purchase a smart TV or streaming media player cite voice control as key feature

DALLAS — Research from Parks Associates finds that 43% of U.S. broadband households that own or plan to purchase a smart TV or streaming media player consider voice control to be an important feature for their next purchase. Parks Associates industry report The Impact of AI on Consumer Entertainment examines the impact of AI on the entertainment industry and the future role of AI in user experience, service delivery, content creation, and monetization of video services.

“Artificial intelligence is used across the connected entertainment value chain by leading companies to gain cost advantages, increase speed to market, and strengthen customer loyalty,” said Craig Leslie, Senior Research Analyst, Parks Associates. “Consumers expect new connected entertainment products and services to offer voice as a control and search option; AI solutions will help companies remain competitive in the future.”

The research report also addresses the impact of AI on data, as AI requires monitoring large quantities of personal data and creates concerns for consumers about security and privacy.

“Seventy-five percent of U.S. broadband households want tight control over their personal data, and over half are concerned about unauthorized users gaining control of their data,” Leslie said. “Less than one-third of consumers trust their providers to adequately safeguard their data, so providers need to deliver a promise of strong data security with granular control of what is shared and with whom, to encourage consumer participation and willingness to share data.”

Additional research from the report includes:

• In early 2018, the average broadband home hosted 10.4 connected devices, of which 8.6 are connected CE devices.
• 55% of U.S. broadband households find voice control of connected entertainment devices appealing.
• 49% of U.S. broadband households find that a website/app that allows you to delete collected data would increase their confidence in use of an online service.
• Netflix credits its recommender system for influencing 80% of hours streamed, with the remaining 20% coming from search.