“We’ve seen more progress in this technology in the last 30 months than we saw in the last 30 years. Ultimately vocal computing is replacing the traditional graphical user interface.” -Shawn DuBravac

Interface design enables humans to experience and interact with technology. Interestingly, Voice User Interface (VUI), is the ability to speak to devices and its capability, in turn, to understand and act upon users’ commands.

Voice user interface: the next-gen of UX

Augmenting human intelligence is a lot more daunting than it looks. The difficulty of mimicking human cognition with software is showing Artificial Intelligence researchers that there’s more than one way to be “intelligent”. The rise of voice can be mainly credited to the evolution of AI and cloud computing capabilities. With machine learning and natural language processing, technology now has the ability to interpret human speech more accurately and in real-time, while also taking note of individual users’ speech tendencies.

This sans-hands method of interaction is rapidly gaining traction. With an approach that is more convenient and human-like, VUI is becoming the next generation of human-computer interaction. From asking Siri to book your appointment with the doc next Monday to asking Alexa to play your favourite show on Amazon Prime; the act of using voice commands has become increasingly natural for users.

At the Google I/O 2018 event, CEO Sundar Pichai demoed Google Duplex: A.I. Assistant calling a local business to make an appointment. The eerily lifelike phone call triggered a wave of intrigue and laughter in the 7,000-strong audience.

Designing a Voice User Interface

Accurate natural language processing has until now existed only in the realm of science fiction. Voice represents the new pinnacle of intuitive interfaces that democratize the use of technology. However tech is still in its nascent stages and not the ultimate incarnation of the medium, but yet it’s currently a strong favourite.

For web and application designers, voice interaction, perhaps, is the biggest UX challenge since the dawn of the touchscreen age. Every voice recognition platform has a unique set of technological constraints. It is essential that you embrace these constraints when architecting a voice interaction UX.

The basic voice UX flow

Speech is the next UX the basic UX flow.

UX was always designed to make interactions as similar to the real world as can be and voice has the potential to make that a reality. UX designers must make sure they’re asking the right questions to elicit the appropriate verbal responses from users. Gender, age, inflexion, tone, accent, cadence and pace are all elements that can be used by UX designers seeking to craft a particular customer experience with their brand.

Below is the sample flow demonstrating the process of speech recognition

A more viable approach could be to prioritize and summarize the information based on known user preferences, prior to delivering an answer – in other words, doing what a normal person would naturally do in a conversation

More complex queries, at times, fall further off the cliff. Risking unpleasant interactions is something brands can rarely afford. Keeping this in mind, error messages could be crafted in a way that’s not only less annoying but also gets users back on track while presenting additional options.

Can we expect a ‘humane’ VUI?

In this age of expected instant gratification, it’s hard to imagine an average user patiently listening to their AI assistant as it narrates a laundry list of all continental restaurants one by one. We want our voice interactions to be as immediate as human alternatives.

VUI’s are extremely complex, multifaceted, and often hybrid amalgams of interaction. Voice interaction may not have garnered the same fanfare just yet. However, for the time being, the creation of a multi-model interface can ignite the furnace for an all-voice controlled interface.

Will VUIs eventually become our primary means of interaction?

Let us know your views by commenting.

Fun fact

Celebrities are likely to find a brand new income stream from licensing not just their voices, but entire personalities as AI assistants. Sounds ridiculous? It does, but you can already pay about $10 to make your TomTom GPS nav unit speak like Snoop Dogg. Go for it!

The Pet Tech Boom You Can’t Ignore: How Smart Devices Are Revolutionizing Pet Care

By : Sampada S M

Published on Jan 22, 2025

Pet Tech Pet Technology

What’s your first thought when you see a puppy strutting around in a tiny sweater or hear about luxury pet spas? Maybe, “That’s adorable!” or “Why don’t I have that life?” And let’s be honest—some pets have social media accounts with better engagement than most of us. Beyond the cuteness, these trends signal a deeper shift. The global pet care market is booming, with India’s pet Industry alone hitting $3.20 billion. It’s the age of pet tech, Today, pets are family—sharing our homes, routines, and emotional lives.

It’s not just technology for convenience’s sake, these innovations address real pain points. By solving pet-owner concerns, pet tech transforms pet care into a proactive, data-driven, and deeply connected experience.

Innovations Driving the Pet Tech Revolution

Here’s how technology is reshaping the industry:

AI-Powered Insights
AI doesn’t just automate, it learns. Devices now recognize pet behavioral patterns of the pets to make personalized recommendations, whether it’s switching a pet’s diet or alerting owners to early signs of illness.
Wearable Tech
These aren’t just GPS trackers; they’re fitness and health monitors for pets. From tracking activity levels to monitoring heart rates, wearable technology for pets is becoming an essential tool for modern pet parents. For instance, a dog recovering from surgery can wear a tracker to alert you if they’re too active, preventing injury.
Smart Devices
Automating routine tasks like feeding, watering, and waste management frees up time while ensuring your pet’s basic needs are met. Think smart pet feeders that portion meals based on your pet’s diet plan or self-cleaning litter boxes that operate automatically after every use.
Telemedicine Platforms
Virtual vet consultations are game-changers, especially in urban areas where time and traffic are challenges. Imagine spotting unusual behavior in your cat and connecting with a veterinarian online instantly through video for advice.
Interactive Gadgets
Smart pet toys and cameras aren’t just fun—they address pet anxiety, loneliness, and boredom. Treat-dispensing cameras let you check in on your dog and reward them with a snack while you’re away.

Startups: The Powerhouses of Pet Tech Innovation

Pet tech’s meteoric rise is fueled by ingenious startups redefining what’s possible:

Pet Wireless: Tailio, their health monitoring platform, combines non-wearable sensing devices, cloud-based analytics, and a mobile app. It empowers pet owners with insights and helps vets deliver superior care.
Dinbeat: This startup specializes in wearable tech for pets, offering devices that remotely monitor vital signs. Alerts via a mobile app ensure timely intervention.
Obe: By harnessing real-time consumption data, Obe’s digital wellness platform allows pet owners to make informed health and nutrition decisions. Early diagnosis capabilities are a game-changer.
Scollar: Their full-stack platform integrates a modular smart collar, mobile app, and cloud data service. Scollar offers comprehensive solutions for managing pet and livestock health.
Mella Pet Care: Known for its AI-assisted, non-rectal thermometer, Mella provides fast and non-invasive temperature readings. Its seamless integration with apps and patient management systems enhances diagnostics.

A Booming Market: Trends and Insights

Globally, the pet tech industry is riding a wave of growth, driven by innovation and shifting consumer behaviors: Market reports predict continued expansion, highlighting the rise in demand for smart pet care solutions and personalized offerings.

Conclusion: A Revolution in the Making

Pet care technology is transforming, blending tradition with technology to create a seamless and smarter experience. As brick-and-mortar pet stores evolve with online conveniences like home delivery and smart pet toys become everyday essentials, the possibilities of pet tech are redefining what it means to care for our furry companions. Advanced analytics now tailor diets, grooming, and preventive care, ensuring our pets get the attention they deserve.

Yet, amidst all the innovation, the essence of pet care remains rooted in love, connection, and trust. While gadgets can simplify tasks, they can never replace the joy of a wagging tail, the warmth of a purr, or the bond that comes from shared moments. As we embrace this technological revolution in pet care, we must also prioritize ethical innovation—where privacy, security, and empathy lead the way.

At Mantra Labs, we are committed to building solutions that empower pet parents without compromising the human-animal bond.

The pet tech revolution isn’t just about innovation—it’s about elevating how we care for our pets, ensuring they live happier, healthier, and more connected lives. Whether you’re a pet parent, an industry leader, or simply curious about the future, one thing is clear: our pets aren’t just part of our lives; they’re part of our hearts. And with technology, we can give them the care they truly deserve.

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Speech is the next UX

Voice user interface: the next-gen of UX