Voice-enabled assistants have quickly moved from novelty to necessity. Today, users expect to be able to speak, get answers, and control apps without lifting a finger. This shift isn’t just interesting for mobile marketers—it’s a massive opportunity to create smoother, smarter experiences that drive real engagement.
What are voice-enabled assistants?
Voice-enabled assistants let users interact with apps and devices using natural speech. Whether Siri sets a reminder, Google Assistant finds a nearby restaurant, or a travel app helps you book a flight just by asking, voice assistants are built to make life easier.
They combine speech recognition with powerful AI to understand what users mean and act on it quickly. As voice capabilities become more accurate and versatile, they’re quickly becoming a standard feature users expect inside and outside apps.
Popular Voice Assistants You Should Know
As voice technology evolves, several key players continue to shape the landscape. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Siri (Apple): Apple’s built-in voice assistant for iOS devices. Siri helps users send messages, set reminders, and control smart home devices, all through voice.
- Cortana (Microsoft): Originally designed as a digital assistant for Windows users, Cortana supports productivity tasks like calendar management and email via voice, though its role has shifted in recent years.
- Google Assistant / Gemini (Google): Google’s voice AI is embedded in Android devices and smart home products. Gemini is the newer iteration, focusing on advanced generative AI experiences.
- Bixby (Samsung): Samsung’s own voice assistant, built into Galaxy devices. Bixby allows users to control phone settings, search the web, and interact with apps using natural language.
Understanding these players helps marketers identify potential platforms for voice integration or partnership and recognize where user expectations are headed next.
Why voice-enabled assistants matter for mobile marketing
Here’s the thing: voice isn’t just a fun feature anymore. It’s changing how users find information, complete tasks, and make decisions on mobile. Statista predicts that in 2024, there will be more voice-enabled devices in the world than people. That’s not just impressive—it’s a signal that marketers need to pay close attention.
Adding voice features to an app isn’t just about convenience but also about staying competitive. Apps that support voice commands reduce friction, making it faster and easier for users to interact. This often translates to better user satisfaction, higher retention rates, and even increased revenue in some cases.
Plus, as voice search becomes more common, optimizing for voice will be as crucial as traditional SEO in helping users discover your app.
How voice-enabled assistants improve the mobile experience
Faster navigation: Instead of tapping through five screens, a user can say, “Show me my upcoming bookings,” and get there instantly.
Stronger personalization: Voice-enabled apps can tailor responses based on user preferences, making the experience feel more personal and intuitive.
Better accessibility: Voice commands offer a better way for visually impaired users with motor challenges or who are simply multitasking to interact with apps.
Deeper engagement: When interactions feel effortless, users stay longer and return more often. Voice makes it easier for apps to fit seamlessly into everyday life.
What’s next for voice-enabled assistants?
Voice is getting smarter. Emerging technologies are helping assistants better understand context, mood, and even multiturn conversations. Soon, users won’t just ask apps simple questions—they’ll have full conversations to discover, purchase, and solve problems on the go.
For mobile marketers, now’s the time to start thinking beyond the basics of “voice search.” Look at how voice can be integrated into user journeys, loyalty programs, and customer service experiences. Those who get it right will not only meet but exceed user expectations.