Office Depot, for example, has installed a voice interface for its customers who place phone orders. The company reports that the benefits to the business are cost savings through a reduced staff of customer service representatives and the ability to answer more calls in the same amount of time. The main advantage to the customer is a reduced hold time waiting for a customer representative. Businesses that involve customers who conduct transactions are proving to be a good fit with voice interface technology. Banking and stock trading were among the first applications implemented as voice applications.
Travel assistance is already a major voice application.
Driving directions, flight information, restaurant reviews, and business locators are all available through voice portals today. Some systems will connect you to a phone number to conduct a transaction with a live person. For instance, after choosing a restaurant through the voice portal's reviews, it can connect you to the restaurant to make your reservation. Welcome to the Rental Car Reservation Center. Hello Ms. Jones.