Searching on a smartphone just by using your voice is a feature that is still in its infancy, and it's not exactly a shock to learn that teens are using and embracing it more than their elders. This is one of the many findings about voice search in a new survey commissioned by Google.
The study, based on results obtained by 1,400 US residents, showed that 55 percent of teens use some kind of hands-free search on their smartphones every day, such as Google's own solution, along with Apple's Siri and Microsoft's Cortana. While voice search use is growing among older smartphone owners, 45 percent of adults in the survey claimed to fee "like a geek" when they talked to their smartphone.
59 percent on US teens and 36 percent of adults use voice search while watching TV and 22 percent of teens admit to using it while in the bathroom. Here's a few more interesting stats:
- 40% use voice search to ask for directions.
- 39% use the feature to dictate a text message.
- 32% do so to make a phone call.
- 23% of adult Americans use voice search "when I'm cooking."
- 51% of teens (and 32% of adults) use voice search "just for fun."
- 27% use voice search to check the weather.
Are you more comfortable using voice search on your smartphone or do you also feel "like a geek" when using it?
Source: Google via PR Newswire
Reader comments
Google study: over half of teenagers use voice search daily
I don't "OK Google" but I do use the mic in search for quick calls and fact searches.
I'm turning 40 and I use to search everyday. Have a 2013 Moto X, and I absolutely love this feature. The voice recognition is not perfect, but the Moto X has better microphones than other phones. It will listen to you and understand you better so you don't have to speak into it 5 times, but you might have to make some small corrections. Generally, though, my phone is very good at listening to me and understanding what I say.
As an aside, I have used my phone for just about everything that they have listed in the article. And then some.
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I'm a teen and use it every day to check the weather, set reminders, call people, and search things.
nexus_logic - Working on his HTC One Max in the Nexus Lab
I'm 44, drive for a living and use Ok Google quite a lot through my Bluetooth earpiece...place calls, text and navigate.
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This blows my mind. I have never used voice search and I don't know anyone who has, at least not on a regular basis. The only time I've ever seen it used is to screw around with it but I've never seen it used for actual use.
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It's one of those things that's acquired. I never used it until I went for a visit back home and my brother and all his buddies were using Siri extensively. I showed them up with Google and using voice commands started growing on me. One can easily forget that it's even there. Start by using it for just a couple things regularly and it becomes natural.
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I'm 18 and I don't even use a cellphone, so... And no this was typed from a tablet.
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Most adults know that it is easier to type it in than to say it 5 times. LOL
Seriously, it is getting better, and I do use it sometimes, but not a lot...at this time.
I am not a teen (Mid 20's), but I definitely use voice search multiple times a day. I use it regularly to reply to text messages. Both while driving, and on my Moto 360. I'm a huge fan of Google's voice recognition, and their ability to read back search results. I'm even more a fan of Motorola's "Always Listening" features.
All that being said, I do feel "like a geek" when doing voice stuff in public, but I don't care. If someone has a problem with it or thinks I am weird, then as far as I'm concerned they can go pound sand. Not to Menton that clearly there are more and more people doing it these days, and eventually it will become a societal norm.
Posted via Android Central App on the Moto X
I'm 20 and I use voice search multiple times a day - especially in my car, when (if it's plugged in and therefore always listening) I can just shout out "OK Google, play Modest Mouse" or ask it for directions and the like.
Posted via Nexus 5
Adding a smartwatch to my collection has dramatically increased my use of voice search and commands...
How does one "fee like a geek"?
I'm rarely in an environment where it's conducive to speak outloud to my device (ex. too noisy or just not appropriate). Even the times where it's not an issue, I find it more efficient and productive to use non-verbal methods of interacting with my smart devices. So these "voice assistants" are pretty much useless IMO.
In my mid 30's and I, like so many here, use voice search all the time. The "remind me to..." feature of Google Now is one of my favorites.
I'm 36 and I use it for everything. It recognizes my voice and goes faster than I can type. I even used it for this post.
Posted via Android Central App on GS5
I'm 20 and I use voice search primarily for setting alarms and getting directions. I also use the "What's up" command on my Moto X when driving, and will occasionally dictate a text. It's dead useful, but it's a long way off from becoming a primary means of using my device.
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I feel comfortable.
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I wish voice search was more conversational by remembering my last query and applying context if applicable.
It does do that to an extent, but
It's far from perfect.
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I use it daily, worrying about "feeling like a geek" is somewhat moot when you are a geek, my favourite is "OK Google, what is the nature of the universe?".
1400 people doesn't seem like much of a sample size though.
I'm so down with the kidz. Snoopy snoop the dog, question mark lover, qui¢ha, Nicky Minge...
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I'm 56 but I use voice commands all the time. Not out in public, but when I'm in my own environment. My wife, who is a bit younger, uses it as much as I do.
I'm not quite sure what aversion people have to using another input method.
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Google now is probably the best thing ever invented
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+1
Posted via Android Central App on the Moto X
Never understood the fascination of some people with talking to their devices. I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to talk to any of my gear, unless it's not working and I'm cursing at it (rare occurrence these days). I hate it, refuse to do it. But, if it works for them, whatever. As long as it's not required. I'm good.
I love it. "ok Google" "navigate home" easy peesy
I'm in my 20s but I don't use voice search. Maybe once a week...
So some people feel like they are a Geek when using voice search. What is a Geek, and what is wrong with that? If voice search works....a Geek? Doesn't make sense to me.
This is why it's so many crashes on the road.
That's the fault of human stupidity, not voice search.
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You need to take a stats class brother.
I voice search so often my girlfriend thinks I'm crazy
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When it comes to studies that can't question everyone. This is more like on average, so there will definitely be adults who use voice search more than others and vice versa.
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Bullcrap. And I'm one of them.
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You are one of the bullcraps?
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Yup. According to Google, using a quick voice search... naturally, that there is one of the famous Bullcraps who is currently in the house. They rub noses with the elite of society.
Posted via Ash William's Boomstick
I'm 58, and use 'OK Google Now' about a dozen times a day to search, set reminders, etc. It's easier than looking for my glasses.
Love OK Google on my watch and phone
Only time I have found voice search faster or worth using is when I want to use navigation. I will say something like "Ok, Google. Navigate to Work". That works quickly and reliably. If voice search fails even once though it becomes slower and more annoying than if I had just opened up the browser and searched.
Really? I find that it works as expected 4 out of every 5 times. It's about 50/50 if I'm using voice to text for messages, but the only time it really fails is if the response is a complex one. If I can avoid touching a keyboard I will.
I'm no teenager but I use "Okay Google" on a daily basis. It's either teenagers do it or just older people lying about their age on the internet. Hehe
kiko on Xperia Z2
I'm also in my 40's and use OK Google multiple times a day.
granted we are on forums though :)
I'm 40 and I use voice search multiple times a day. OK Google!
In my 20's, but I also use "OK google" on a daily basis.
Same
Posted via Nexus 7 2013 or verizon Galaxy S5 or maybe one day through my moto 360
31 and I use it daily.
We're so down with the kids!
Hippity hop
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