Amazon and Google reveal new voice-activated appliances: The implications for utilities’ voice strategies

Amazon's and Google's recent demos have revealed differences in their respective approaches to hardware. Consumers are purchasing home devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home at staggering rates. Utilities should pay attention to this development for two main reasons: 1) Customers can use voice-assistant devices to manage energy consumption, and 2) These devices create additional touchpoints for utilities to improve customer engagement and be more present in the home.