Voice controlled smart speaker unit shipments are expected to increase from around 10 million to approximately 80 million, between 2017 and 2022, globally, according to new data from Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com). This includes market segments: voice controlled room speakers, portable/battery powered speakers, sound bars and wireless multi-room speakers.

Voice controlled smart speakers are experiencing significant growth and are playing an important role in the evolution of the voice user interface. Recent developments in artificial intelligence, and natural language processing to enhance voice recognition capabilities has increased the overall demand for voice software platforms embedded in speakers and smart home devices.

A range of innovative voice technologies are creating new opportunities across a broad range of use case applications from streaming content, and controlling smart home devices, to automotive voice recognition, and biometrics for authentication purposes, according to Research and Markets. A growing share of voice assistant platforms are now opening up to third party developers and being integrated into a number of consumer devices for wider application.

Platform vendors such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and Microsoft Cortana are now providing voice enhancement software either for dedicated speaker devices or licensed as third-party software solutions. In addition to dedicated speakers, a growing share of home audio devices from sound bars to multi-room audio systems will have built-in MEMS microphone technology and offer voice input functionality to a growing base of consumers worldwide.