Siri leads Google Now in usage, study shows

A new study from consumer technology research firm Parks Associates revealed more than half of iPhone owners use Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) Siri voice recognition software, while less than one-third of Android phone owners leverage Google Now (NASDAQ: GOOG). 

Parks Smartphone activities by OS

Source: Parks Associates

The study, titled "360 View: Mobility and the App Economy," showed 39 percent of smartphone owners currently utilize some form of voice recognition software. In addition, Harry Wang, Parks Associates' Director of Health & Mobile Product Research, indicated this figure may increase over the next few years. 

  • Smartphone penetration has reached 86 percent of U.S. broadband households. 

  • 48 percent of smartphone owners between the ages of 18 and 24 currently use voice recognition software.

  • Siri usage among iPhone owners has increased from 40 percent to 52 percent between 2013 and 2015. 

  • 15 percent of all U.S. broadband households currently are using Siri.

"Users, particularly younger consumers and iOS users, [are] exploring more intelligent features and interfaces, including voice control," he said. "The growing consumer interest in voice control features is driving this technology into new Internet of Things (IoT) areas."

The number of connected "things" may reach 6.4 billion this year, according to technology research firm Gartner. As such, voice recognition software like Siri, Google Now and Cortana may play important roles in the IoT's growth. 

App developers, meanwhile, could capitalize on the demand for connected devices that feature voice recognition software. By designing and launching apps that leverage voice recognition software, these developers may be able to offer innovative apps that meet the needs of consumers worldwide. 

For more:
- see the full report here

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