Consumer research highlights AI-enabled features that most appeal to consumers
Parks Associates’ new consumer study Consumer Perception and Use of Generative AI reveals voice commands to alert emergency services are among the most valued smart speaker applications. Parks Associates research shows 31% of US internet households show interest in a smart home speaker/display that can request medical, fire, or police assistance with voice commands.
“Companies like Alarm.com, Ubiety, Origin Wireless, and Ivani all leverage sensors in the home to enhance their platforms,” said Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO, Parks Associates. “AI capabilities enable better understanding of the context of an event, to determine a real emergency from a false alarm, to distinguish a family member from a stranger, or to identify regular movement versus a fall. Conversational AI can build on this intelligence to layer a new audio component onto the home’s emergency services and add a much-needed new use case for smart speakers and voice assistants.”
After rapid growth in the first five years, the market for smart speakers and displays has hit a ceiling. Parks Associates research shows 50% of US internet households own a smart speaker or display in 2024, with little growth since 2021. Category leaders seek to reinvigorate the category with a more intuitive and natural experience powered by generative AI. The smart speaker user base is ready for next-generation applications, according to the new research:
- 50% of smart speaker or display owners have used a generative AI tool, versus 30% of non-users.
- Apple HomePod users in particular show high usage (71%), compared to users of Google (59%) and Amazon (46%) smart speaker platforms.
“To address the waning demand for voice devices, and the perception of limited utility, companies can enhance voice experiences with personalized features that adapt to user preferences,” Parks said. “Providing clear user guides and addressing privacy concerns will also help build trust and confidence in using voice commands.”
The study, available for purchase, highlights AI-enabled features and benefits across Parks Associates’ coverage of connected living markets to highlight the tangible benefits of AI that most appeal to consumers today.
To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific data, please contact Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein at mindi.sue@parksassociates.com or 972-490-1113.
About Parks Associates
Parks Associates helps companies identify new opportunities, refine strategy, and accelerate growth in connected technology markets through data-driven insights and industry expertise. With more than 40 years of experience, the firm delivers proprietary consumer and industry research, market forecasts, and strategic analysis that guide business decisions across personal, connected home, small business, and commercial technology ecosystems. Parks Associates supports clients in navigating evolving markets including AI, security, smart home, broadband, entertainment, energy, multifamily, smart buildings, and connected health.
The firm also fosters industry growth and collaboration by convening thousands of leaders each year through its flagship executive conferences, including CONNECTIONS™, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit, Smart Spaces, and Future of Video. Learn more at https://www.parksassociates.com.
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