Throwback Thursday: Virtual Agents for Wearable Devices

Happy Throwback Thursday! 

Earlier in the year, noHold published a short demo video showing you how Virtual Agents can augment the Internet of Everything. Check it out below:  

When asking the community what they think about wearable devices, there has been an overwhelming lack of consensus on this technology. People have mixed feelings whether to embrace this disruptive tech, or reject it completely. With the announcement of the Apple Watch to come out in 2015, we'll see if wearable devices will gain a little more traction than before.  

In addition to being the latest wearable device in the game, Apple Watch also comes equipped with Apple's well known Personal Virtual Assistant, Siri, but Siri seems to be falling short compared to other personal Virtual Assistants lately. While it has received some updates, one important feature that Siri still lacks is the ability to follow a conversation. You can ask it a question, but as soon as you ask another question, Siri loses the context of the conversation. 

For wearable devices and the Internet of Everything to be a more usable concept, a Virtual Agent (VA) needs to be able to act as a 'butler' (similar to the video above), to manage all the devices and applications in your life. It should be able to, not only do what you ask, but also suggest other actions based on gathered knowledge and reference back to the context of the conversation. For example, you ask the VA to set the alarm for 6:30 AM. The VA sets the alarm, but comes back with the suggestion to set your alarm a little earlier because your gas tank is low and you need to fill up in the morning.

What are your thoughts on the future of wearable devices? Are they going to be a dying trend or will they be the next must-have devices? How do you think a more conversational and intuitive Virtual Agent will impact wearable devices and the Internet of Everything?

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: From the First Internet Search Engine to Predictive Search

Photo Credit: psdgraphics.com

Approximately 24 years ago, the first Internet search engine was launched, they called it Archie. "It was used to index FTP archives to make finding files easier. How, as the technology for the World Wide Web was not invented until later in the year, it was not the first web search engine." (thisdayintechhistory.com)

Innovations to search engines took off after that. Ever since then, there has been ever-changing improvements to search engine tools. Engineers are continuously trying to come up with ways to make searching easier, and in a span of about a quarter of a century, search has innovated a lot.

In today's World, we use search for almost everything. The most common answer to a question we don't know is, "Google it." It has become so easy to search for information on the Internet with the use of complex algorithms that analyze text (and voice in some cases) to provide you with the right content.  

Going forward, predictive search is a hot topic in the tech community. Google started using predictive search algorithms a while back (remember when finishing your sentence in the search bar was a new phenomenon), but now predictive search is getting more intuitive. Not only can it make an educated suggestion as to finishing your sentence, it can suggest answers to questions you didn't even know you wanted to know based on prior interactions. 

As we can see, search is beginning to move toward a more intuitive and interactive based logic to find what you need. It is becoming more like a personal assistant that can communicate with you, rather than a simple list of archived files. What do you think about the future of search? With smart machines and the Internet of Everything, how do you think search will adapt to simplify the lives of the billions of connected users?
www.nohold.com

A Look Back at noHold's Top Stories of the Week: September 1st-5th

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. Per the short week, we are going to keep this 'look back' equally condensed...

1. noHold recently had the pleasure of having lunch with some of the members of the D-Link team down in Southern California. Here is a picture:

From left to right: Michael Luu, Diego Ventura, Francesco Ventura, Oscar Navarro, and Paul Pishchenko

2. In light all the Virtual Agent conference that occurred or will be occurring soon, we dedicated this weeks Throwback Thursday to past Virtual Agent conferences. Check out that blog here. Don't forget to attend the Intelligent Assistants Conference (IAC) 2014 happening on Sept. 16 in San Francisco, CA. 

To send you out of the office with a smile, take a look at this funny, yet true, meme I found online. 

Photo Credit: funmaga.com

Enjoy your weekend, and we'll see you back here on Monday! Cheers!

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: Apple's New Release vs. Apple Five Years Ago

Photo Credit: thisdayintechhistory.com

Happy Throwback Thursday!

Did you know that exactly five years ago today, Apple released their Mac OS X 'Snow Leopard'? Most people don't remember that operating system, but it was an important time for Apple, Inc. Due to Snow Leopard, they dropped the support for PowerPC-based Macs and shifted their attention to the Intel processor-based Macs. They also discontinued AppleTalk in Snow Leopard, one of the first and most widely used networking protocol in the World (ThisDayInTechHistory.com).

Fast forward 5 years; Apple is expected to release the iPhone 6 in the coming weeks. The details on the phone are very hush-hush, but everyone is anticipating a very technologically sophisticated phone, with elements that make it easier for users. Some speculations on new features of the iPhone 6 include a much larger screen (edge-to-edge display), a whopping 128 GB of storage, and a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip inside the phone (PCAdvisor.com). With the presence of an NFC chip, wireless charging is made possible, and it also puts Apple in the game of mobile payment systems. It is rumored that they will either use Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to create their own e-wallet platform (accessible from any iPhone, not just the 6), or they are using the NFC technology to include mobile payments, strictly for iPhone 6 users. Either way it looks like Google Wallet is facing some competition now (AppleInsider.com)    

These are only a few of the predictions made for the up and coming iPhone, but what about updates for Siri? With almost all major brands creating a Personal Virtual Assistant for their smartphones (Microsoft=Cortana, Android=GoogleNow, etc.), Apple needs to make sure Siri is maintaining the latest, cutting-edge technology. 

What sort of updates do you think Siri should or is going to get? Sources suggest that the new iPhone will have a heart rate monitor; do you think this means that Siri will be able to manage your health through a single user interface? 

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: Are Robots Threatening Your Job Security?

Photo Credit: apps.carleton.edu

If you look back at past T.V. shows/movies, it is almost as if they were foreshadowing a future with robots and interactive technology. Take the 1960's cartoon series, The Jetsons, for example. They enhanced the futuristic vibe of the show by adding a robot as their housekeeper. Now, in today's World, the public is more afraid than ever of robots replacing humans in the job market. I recently read a funny article, making light of the public's worry about a 'robot take over'. The article is titled, '7 Roles That Robots Will Never Fill (Although We Kind of Wish They Would).' 

Read the full article to find out why the author thought a robot could never replace a human in certain occupations.

While most of these seem like a joke, their are many other jobs that robots cannot replace, either. For example, an occupation in creative arts. While, a computer can enhance art (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), a robot uses logic and lacks the element of a 'creative eye.' Some of the most beautiful art is abstract and that would be a hard concept for a robot to grasp.

What about teachers? We wrote a blog about Jibo, the social robot, being used as a tool to help teach children. While it was proven successful, it does not mean that the presence of a human teacher is obsolete. Young, developing minds require human interaction, and much more to thrive. 

In the end, it is important to look at robots/technology as supplementary to human jobs, instead of a threat to job security. Industry experts and trusted brands envision a work place where technology and humans work together. Creating efficiency, streamlining processes, responding quickly and reducing costs are just a few of the benefits that automation can provide. According to our metrics, we see millions of consumers interacting with Artificial Intelligence a month. People feel more comfortable with A.I. and in most cases, prefer the immediacy of using such tools. Not only are consumers getting to the answers they want quicker, but they are leaving the conversation feeling satisfied as well.       

What do you think about robots, automation and Artificial Intelligence becoming more predominate in the job market? Are you worried, or do you see it as a benefit? How do you interact with AI today in your occupation, and how does it make your job easier? 
www.nohold.com 

Throwback Thursday: How Important is Having a Multilingual e-Service Strategy?

In light of Throwback Thursday, I found a noHold blog from 2011 titled, 'Is your e-Service Strategy Multilingual? 72.7% of Internet Users say it should be...' Now, three years later, more and more companies are realizing the importance of having a multilingual strategy, and putting those plans into action.

Recently, a client of noHold, one of the World's leading, multinational computer technology company, launched another version of their Virtual Agent...in German! To become a global success, the need to appeal to people all over the World is a necessity. If not, you are excluding a large population of potential consumers that you can be marketing to. I'll leave you with this statistic that further validates the need for companies to have multilingual strategies for not only sales, but support as well.

"...85 percent of Internet users do not make important purchasing decisions unless product descriptions are in the language they speak, according to Common Sense Advisory, an analyst firm specializing in translation services. And visitors stay twice as long on sites in their native languages, according to Forrester Research" (Content Translation Speak the Language of ROI).

What is your company doing to accommodate to your non-English speaking consumers? 
www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: 1983 'Compact' Laptop

"These days, technology is all screen-touch-this and Bluetooth-that. Remember when tech products used to really be state of the art? From the sweet joystick on the Atari 2600 to the compact Apple IIe personal computer, relieve the glory days of gadgets past." RetroGrade from Wired.com is a video series that showcases old-school technologies. They have a few interesting videos including technologies such as camcorders, handheld video games, and more. Check out this episode from the series: The Portable LCD-286 PC Computer.

Video Credit: Retro Tech: Remember the 'Portable' LCD-286 PC Computer from the '80s?

It is interesting to see the progression of these devices. Take this video for example, the generation has moved from floppy disks to the cloud; from basic screens to HD touch-screen capabilities, from limited support options to interactive self-service solutions. 

What do you envision for the future of 'compact' devices?

_____________________________________________________________________

 NEWS ALERT!

Don't forget to tune into the Peggy Smedley Show next Tuesday (August 12th, 2014) to hear our CEO, Diego Ventura, with special guest Glenn Schleicher of Cisco, to discuss their thoughts on the Internet of Everything (IoE). 

www.nohold.com

A Look Back at noHold's Top Stories of the Week: July 14 - July 18

As another week is wrapping up, lets take a look back at some of noHold's top stories of the week...

1. Check out this video of a Virtual Agent in Action

2. noHold announces their efforts in the charitable initiative, Virtual Volunteers!

"Over the past year or so, noHold has been working on a charitable initiative called Virtual Volunteers. A Virtual Volunteer is a Virtual Agent aimed to provide nonprofit organizations with a self-service solution that will guide users to answer their own questions, quickly. Our mission is to serve as a Virtual Volunteer for your organization. This means working to help your cause provide real answers to real questions in a fast and efficient way. Our goal is to fill the overall need of getting accurate and important information to your audience."

Click here to ask Vint a question!

3. Increasing support and service revenue with the help of a Virtual Agent. 

A company in the consumer electronics industry leveraged their Virtual Agent to help get their customers the services they need, while increasing revenue for the company.

"Humans are programmed to reject typical forms of advertisement, but everybody still appreciates a helping hand when they are trying to solve a problem." 

-noHold, Inc. 

Does your company leverage self-service to generate revenue? How do you offer the right services at the right time? 

4. Throwback Thursday: Here we talked about the evolution of movie robots, and the evolution of the brains behind the robots, Artificial Intelligence. 

                                                                                                                   

To conclude this week, I want to share with you some pictures I stumbled across of this years best photos taken from a drone. I'll leave you with a couple of the top pics. Cheers!

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: The Evolution of Movie Robots and Artificial Intelligence

Trivia Question: Does anyone remember the first movie a robot appeared in?

...Give up?

The first robot debuted on the big screen in the 1919 film, ‘The Master Mystery’, except they weren't called robots yet; they were called automatons. For today’s audience, robots are a common thing to see in movies and they have only gotten more technologically advanced…and bigger! Check out this Yahoo! Movies video that takes you through a short tour of the evolution of movie robots.

As you can see, robots, and the brains behind the robots, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), have continued to evolve throughout time. The beginning years of A.I., the technology did not have the diagnostic, conversational ability. Before, humans would interact with A.I. but it could only pick out keywords. In essence, there was no logic behind it. For example, if you asked an A.I., “I need directions to the grocery store from noHold”, it would pick out the key words (directions, grocery store, noHold), but it wouldn't be able to decipher the connecting words. The A.I. might interpret your request incorrectly and give you directions to noHold from the grocery store instead.

Now, A.I. is more advanced, and does not only use logic to process information, but also customizes responses. 

One way to provide custom responses (that is gaining popularity in the market) is using predictive technology. Taking the example from above about directions, if you ask a Virtual Agent where the nearest movie theater is, and it can respond with the solution AND give you options of nearby restaurants or the latest reviews on a current movie as well. Predictive interactions make it easier for users to get relevant information, without having to ask.

Location-based awareness is also a trending technology for new devices. Using GPS tracking to pinpoint your location, a Virtual Agent can use that information to provide users with location-specific content.

By combining logic, predictive interactions, and location-based awareness, Artificial Intelligence has evolved to become more user-friendly and personalized.

Do you remember your earliest interaction with a robot or Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How has the experience evolved over time? In your opinion, what will AI be capable of 5 years from now? 

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: Traditional Robots vs. Human-Like Robots

Photo credit: ucsddigitaljournalism.blogspot.com

Do you remember the times when a person would mention a robot and the image in your head would resemble the picture to the left? Big, bulky, square body parts, with antennas and computer features on the exterior completely validated the "I am a robot" phrase. 

Photo credit: dunckelnews.com

Today, when we see pictures or movies of what robots of the future will look like, they typically have more human features (see example on right), but are still recognizable as machines. 



     

Photo credit: news.yahoo.com

Now, robots are becoming more human-like than ever. To the left is an image of what appears to be a woman, but in reality, it is a robot. In Japan, one company is experimenting with robots, designing them to look, move, and talk like a human.  Japanese robotics expert, Hiroshi Ishiguro says "Making androids is about exploring what it means to be human," he told reporters Tuesday, "examining the question of what is emotion, what is awareness, what is thinking." (Woman or Machine? New Robots Look Creepily Human) 

Imagine adding Virtual Agent technology to a humanoid robot to provide it with the proper knowledge to answer questions. For example, the humanoid robot could be a store clerk, knowledgeable about your favorite product, customer service, etc. Or imagine an employee Help Desk with a human-like robot to answer your questions about BYOD, corporate policies, and more. How would you react? 

What is your opinion on robots that look exactly like humans? If you have used a Virtual Agent for Customer Support, Care, or sales questions, do you prefer to know that it is an automated solution before interacting?   

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: The Past, Present, and Future of Online Shopping

“One of the first known Web purchases took place in 1994. It was a pepperoni pizza with mushrooms and extra cheese from Pizza Hut” (TIME.com; A Brief History of Online Shopping).Today, we use the Internet to purchase almost anything: books, groceries, computers, etc. The majority of Americans are embracing the growing trend and utilizing the convenience of online shopping, but just like in-store consumers, it is important for companies to provide their online audience with an excellent customer experience, too.

According to a Forrester report from 2010, “57% of US online consumers report that they are very likely to abandon an online purchase if they cannot find quick answers to their questions. However, satisfaction with online self-service has room to improve. To reinvigorate online customer service, eBusiness professionals should give virtual agents another look” (It’s Time to Give Virtual Agents another Look, 2010). When looking at eCommerce in 2014, it is apparent that companies are devoting more attention to improving their eCommerce strategy and using cutting edge technology to provide their consumers with world class service, virtually.    

There is no sign of slowing down for Virtual Agents assisting online shopping in the near future either. A trusted analyst firm predicted that the number of online purchases made via a Virtual Assistant will continue to grow into the coming years. With more and more well known brands embracing and even acquiring Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) as part of their own strategy, this is proof that the era of smart machines is upon us. 

Check out this slideshare, How to Increase Sales by Tracking Four Specific Problems, to find out how a Virtual Agent can work as a 24/7 sales person.

What do you expect in the future for online shopping? How do you think Virtual Agents/A.I. will impact the way we make purchases online?

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: Managing Crowded Cities with the Internet of Everything

Photo Credit: suspectphotography.com

City of Tomorrow video. 

Above is a link to a video from CNN.com about a company using traffic cameras and algorithms to reveal data about pedestrians; essentially, becoming a part of the Internet of Everything (IoE).

The video was set in New York City, one of the most crowded places in the United States, with millions of people walking around daily. The Department of Transportation would hire individuals twice a year to use umpire pitch counters and manually track the number of pedestrians walking by. Using this method is not always accurate, though. In today’s society, now that everything is connecting to the Internet, a startup called Placemeter is supporting this phenomenon. Using various cameras around the city, they can count the number of people outside and inside buildings and turn those camera feeds in useful data.

Capturing these numbers and turning them into actionable data that can be accessed by the public is just another way to stay connected through the Internet. As they mention in the video, “Americans spend roughly 37 billion hours a year waiting in lines.” This technology can help the public reduce the number of hours they spend waiting in line. 

Imagine a world where a Virtual Agent can augment this type of technology by organizing and communicating this information to humans. For example, a Virtual Agent might have access to this data and let users know how many people are at the grocery store so it can estimate how long it might take you to go shopping. Or the Virtual Agent might notify you that your favorite restaurant has a short wait time. The more information you have on a location, the better equipped you are to manage those areas.

How do you feel about the ability for cameras to count people and share this information with the public? Would a Virtual Agent help to provide the 'human element' to transform this data into loyalty and efficiency? 

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: Insider Interview with VP of Worldwide Customer Advocacy

Circa 2010, noHold had the privilege to get an exclusive interview about noHold Connect (formerly known as Confederated Knowledge) with Cisco's VP of Worldwide Customer Advocacy, D. Jay Pederson. Here is a snippet from the interview.  

"How do your customers feel about your support initiatives? 

According to our online survey, more customers perceive our online support initiatives very positively and are satisfied with the support options available to them online. 

Where do you see the industry heading, both in general, and specifically as it relates to support? 

Several industry indicators lead us to believe that there are more collaborative support efforts among key industry players, in areas such as inter-operability where support boundaries begin to blur. Also more companies have support presence in new social media channels such as Twitter, and Facebook, which are out of those companies’ domain. Social media dictates a new engagement model with customers and has a significant impact on brand image and equity."

To read the full document, please click here.  

Fast forward to today, I'm curious to see how these answers might have changed? Where do YOU see the industry heading, both in general, and specifically as it relates to support? 

www.nohold.com 

Throwback Thursday: How Kids React to the Apple II

The creation of computer desktops was the beginning of the technology era. Granted they did not always look as sleek and sophisticated as they do now, but back then, it was a big deal to own a computer. Also, finding support for these desktops was more challenging than it is now. One of noHold's first customers, a globally recognized leader in visual display technology, got ahead of the curve when they implemented a Virtual Agent to provide support for their computer products and monitors. They realized the growing demand for cutting edge technology and applied it to products, as well as support options. 

Today's youth are growing up with state-of-the-art technology all around them. In turn, smartphones and tablets are becoming more of a staple than a luxury, especially in the Silicon Valley. The video below shows young kids of different ages, interacting with one of the first Apple desktop computers that was released in 1977, The Apple II.  

Note: Take a look at one child, as she tries to 'speak' to the computer. Does she think it has a Virtual Assistant? 

As you can see, the kids were shocked to find out that it wasn't a touch screen and there was no Internet connection, but when the Apple II came out, it was a huge milestone for technology. In only 30 years we have managed to innovate the concept of the desktop and create compact devices with even more capabilities.With this type of forward thinking, only time will tell what the latest technology trend will be. Eventually, future generations will see a tablet and think it is completely unusable, similar to the reactions in the video. 

I'll leave you with this picture of ways some older desktops are being put to use.

Photo Credit: Gadgetsin.com

Happy TBT!

Throwback Thursday: From the iMac to iHeadphones? How Will Apple Join the Wearable Device Market

Photo Credit: macsinmovies.blogspot.com

Check out the throwback photo above of a popular cartoon promoting Apple's iMac G3. But have you ever wondered why most Apple products have the letter "i" in front of the name? (i.e. iPhone, iPad, iTunes, etc.)

It all started in May of 1998 when the iMac was first announced (iMac G3 Introduced). The infamous lower case "i" is said to have stood for "Internet", meaning their products were Internet-friendly, which was a big deal back when PC's were first gaining popularity.

Today, it is used as more of a brand recognition strategy (Apple Support Communities). People all over the world associate "iAnything" as an Apple product right away. 

In more recent news, there is on-going buzz about Apple and their potential acquisition of Beats by Dre, the major mogul of high quality audio technology. But the big question is still, "Why?" Why would Apple spend 3.2 billion dollars on audio technology? 

Photo Credit: thenewsnerd.com

One thought is that they are in the process of developing "iHeadphones", or in other words, Internet connected headphones that can connect to your phone through WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity and stream music straight to your headphones with quality sound. “If Apple can incorporate the Beats product into its wearable computing system...then the deal could pose a threat to Google, Facebook, and other companies that are forging ahead on smart glasses and watches,” according to Time. (Who will Apple BEAT with Beats-Apple deal: 4 Things Apple Could Do). 

What do you think about Apple's potential acquisition and how it plays a role in the Internet of Everything phenomenon? In the future, will a Virtual Agent -think Siri- be able to respond through wireless headphones (like Beats) and read back your emails, or send your friend a text saying your running a little late? How will all of these separate wearable devices play well together? 

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: Small Business Owner Launches Virtual Assistant to Aid with Customer Service

In light of small business week (May 12-16), this press release announcing one of noHold’s first small business customers to utilize a Virtual Assistant (circa 2011), seems fitting. 

Jessica Rust of Rust Designs creates personalized dinnerware that can be purchased online or be found in stores all over the US. As with many small business, it was hard to keep up with customer questions about products/services. To try and reduce the volume of email/calls Jessica was getting about FAQ’s, she opted to implement a Virtual Agent. With only a few hours of training, she was able to build her own Virtual Agent, customize the avatar, and is still able to manage/maintain the Virtual Agent on her own.    

Small businesses, such as Rust designs, are at the core of a healthy economy. By making the cutting edge technology that corporations use, accessible to companies that employ less than 25 people, it can contribute to the companies success and the growth of the economy. 

Click the link provided to view the full press release, noHold Offers Recession Buster to Small Business: A Do-It Yourself Virtual Assistant for Rust Designs.

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: Heading Towards a Mobile-Only Generation

Photo Credit: thisdayintechhistory.com

One of the leading PC manufacturers celebrated its 30 year anniversary of its inception on May 3^rd. Dell Computer Corporation was founded by Michael Dell. He ran his direct-to-order PC Company from his dorm room, and now is one of the top PC manufacturers of the world (thisdayintechhistory.com).

In today’s market, more and more Internet users are switching strictly to mobile devices. “According to Pew Internet, 55 percent of Americans said they’d used a mobile device to access the Internet in 2012. A surprisingly large number — 31 percent — of these mobile Internet users say that’s the primary way they access the web. This is a large and growing audience whose needs aren't being met by traditional desktop experience” (The Rise of the Mobile-User Only).

It looks like mobile-only users are becoming the norm. Maybe because they prefer the light-weight, ease of access that a mobile device provides them with. A mobile friendly Virtual Agent can provide users with that same light-weight, intuitive experience they want. Companies must be able keep up with the demands of all consumers, including mobile users. 

What is your company doing to accommodate mobile-only users? How do you optimize typical customer service and support options for mobile devices? 

www.nohold.com 

Throwback Thursday: The Rise of Wearable Technology... a Fad or Here to Stay?

Click to enlarge

In the past few years, wearable devices have become a household name. Similar to the beginning of the smartphone boom, wearable technology is starting to pop up all over the place. If we take a step back though, we realize that wearable devices have been around for a lot longer than we think. To the right is an infographic (click link to enlarge) about the rise of wearable tech. 

Eyeglasses were one of the first forms of wearables created in the 1200s. Then, in 1907, the creation of the first wristwatch was introduced to the world by Alberto Santos-Dumont. 

These two "old-school" wearables paved the way for today's innovators to enhance them. The invention of eyeglasses and the wristwatch are getting futuristic touches in today's tech inspired world. Now, manufacturers are coming out with smart-watches (Apple) and smart glasses (Google).    

Also, circa 2010, fitness gadgets were invented to help people track their health and activity. These devices then connect to your smartphones, showing all your data on a larger screen making it easier to analyze. Now, wearable devices are becoming a part of the Internet of Everything and being augmented by a Virtual Agent. Click the link to watch a demonstration of how a Virtual Agent helps users experience the Internet of Everything.     

According to the infographic made by Memoto (now known as Narrative), the amount of wearable devices shipped is projected to grow between 39 and 171 million devices in 2016. Some analysts are saying that wearable technology is just a fad, and it won't be as big as people are making it out to be. What is your opinion? Are wearable devices here to stay or is the next evolution of wearable technology embedded in our handheld devices (i.e. smartphones)?

                                      www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: Interns Learn How to Manage Virtual Agent Content within Weeks

Around this time two years ago (2012), we announced the launch of a Virtual Agent for the Italian Consulate of San Francisco. This Virtual Agent is bilingual, responding to frequently asked questions in English or Italian. Virtual Agents are created to be extremely user friendly, not only for the general public asking the Virtual Agent questions, but also for back end administrators that maintain the content. The Italian Consulate of San Francisco employed two part time students to create the first instance of the Virtual Agent and User Interface (UI), with minimal training required. Since the tools are easy to use, the Consulate gives the responsibility of maintaining the content each semester to new interns.

“This is the first time that an Italian Consulate has used this Virtual Agent technology. It immediately turned out to be very efficient and a very useful tool.  Both the Consulate and the users are really satisfied. It is likely that other Consulates will follow our example.” Fabrizio Marcelli, Consul General of Italy. (2012)

To read the full press release, click here.

Just about a year after the implementation of the Consulates' Virtual Agent (2013), Diego Ventura, the CEO and founder of noHold, was awarded the special honor of the Order of the Star of Italy by the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano. This honor is given to Italians, both abroad and foreign, who promote friendly relations between Italy and other countries and create ties with Italy as well. Click here to read about noHold Being Knighted.

For future news, an award-winning leader in networking is following a similar path to the Italian Consulates’, handing some of the responsibility of maintaining the Virtual Agent to interns. Managing a Virtual Agent shouldn’t be tedious. We make it so entry level associates can effectively support the Virtual Agent with minimal training needed. The interns enjoy being part of a team, are excited about maintaining a 'cool' and effective technology, and the companies have found compelling ways to 'gamify' the whole process. How does your company maintain its Virtual Agent or self-service options? Tell us your story about using gamification to encourage contribution. 

www.nohold.com

Throwback Thursday: The Progression of Smart Appliances

     Just about a year ago, LG talked about their futuristic refrigerator that has multiple “smart” capabilities. Since the fridge is connected to the Internet through a WiFi connection, it can help manage the contents inside. It includes features such as when your food is expiring, provides you with recipes that incorporate those perishing foods, creates an electronic grocery list of the items you need, and has the ability for you to order groceries right through the screen on your refrigerator (LG Smart Fridge Spots Spoiled Food, Orders Groceries).

     Today, most manufacturers of appliances are continuing in the direction of the future by connecting them to the Internet. Similarly, Google started their virtual shopping experience with Google Shopping Express. So many new technologies are enhancing the user experience with traditional items. For example, you may not even need to go to the store anymore; your fridge will tell you what you need, communicate with an app like Google Shopping Express, and automatically order it for you.

     The future of smart appliances is looking bright and adding a Virtual Butler to the mix will further simplify the experience of the Internet of Everything - i.e. coffee machines, washing machines/dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, etc. The Virtual Agent comes into play to help manage all these appliances from one user interface. Instead of having to go to multiple apps, you can go to a "Siri-like" Virtual Agent and be able to turn on the washing machine that you forgot to turn on in the morning from your phone and in the same moment turn off the coffee pot that you forgot that morning as well. 

     If a Virtual Butler was within your arm's reach today, what would you use it for? Can you imagine a world where the butler provides troubleshooting, support, and sales advice in the same user interface that you use to control your connected home and devices? 

Happy Throwback Thursday!

www.nohold.com