Pure Telecom survey reveals voice assistants pushing buttons as 1 in 5 users confess to yelling at their device

Pure Telecom, the Irish-owned high-speed broadband company, has announced the results of a survey, which found that 1 in 5 (22%) voice assistant users confess to yelling at their device for their inability to understand them. Residents in Westmeath (38%), Galway (29%), and Mayo (27%) were found to be the most likely to lash out at their voice assistants.

The online research, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom, surveyed 1,002 adults in Ireland about the trials and tribulations of digital assistants. It found that voice assistant users often modify their speech to improve the technology’s ability to recognise their commands. The survey revealed that 19% of users report misunderstandings and 27% adapt their speech for better recognition. Users in Kerry (46%), Westmeath (44%) Mayo (40%), and Sligo (40%) were found to change how they speak the most.

Despite some frustrations, Pure Telecom’s survey revealed that voice assistants have become an integral part of life for adults living in Ireland, with 72% reporting that they use them. One-in-five (26%) of adults in Ireland reported owning a smart speaker, which includes popular brands such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana.

The survey also revealed what people use their voice assistants for. Almost half (48%) of users use them primarily for listening to music, 31% listen to the radio, 30% use them for online search and 28% check the weather. Other reasons included asking funny questions (23%), accessing functions on the phone while driving (19%) and checking the news (18%).

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: “Our research demonstrates that voice recognition technology is increasingly shaping the daily routines of adults in Ireland. Smart devices are changing the way we interact with the world around us, and with reliable broadband, they become even more powerful tools for keeping us informed and connected with family and friends.

“From listening to music and setting reminders, to checking the weather and controlling our homes, these devices have become essential tools for those on the go. They provide convenience, entertainment, and improved productivity and we continue to see their influence growing in our daily lives. 

“At Pure Telecom, we believe that everyone should have access to fast and reliable internet, and we remain committed to providing broadband solutions that enrich people’s lives and enable them to thrive in the digital world.”

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