In 2017, the smart speaker industry in China saw a fierce competition among over 100 brands, a battle that Song Shaopeng, an industry veteran with 14 years of experience in audio technology, described as similar to the shift from functional machines to smart devices. This period marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of human-computer interaction.
Smart speakers are not just a trend—they represent the first step toward a future where voice becomes the primary interface between humans and technology. As the industry heats up, reshuffling continues, and new players emerge, the next decade promises to bring even more innovation in how we interact with our devices.
Song Shaopeng highlighted that in Shenzhen alone, over 200 factories were involved in smart speaker production, but only a few companies offered comprehensive hardware and software solutions. His company, Mitang Technology, provided full-stack solutions for intelligent voice interaction, including Wi-Fi modules, underlying technologies, operating systems, and voice skills. These capabilities were rare in China at the time, and the 2017 smart speaker boom helped accelerate their adoption.
At Tencent’s Open Day, one of the most popular demonstrations was the “Emotional Forest†developed by Song Shaopeng and his team, integrating Tencent Cloud Xiaowei. When users spoke to the device, the room lights changed color, showcasing the power of voice-enabled smart environments. This is just the beginning of what voice interaction can achieve.
The influence of Amazon Echo on the global market was clear. Song Shaopeng and his team recognized this early, shifting their focus to intelligent voice interaction in 2013. They studied every detail of Echo, even creating a comprehensive interactive manual to guide others. Their efforts paid off when Mitang became the first Amazon Alexa-certified partner, opening doors for Chinese manufacturers to reach global markets.
This industry shift mirrors the rise of smartphones. Just as the iPhone revolutionized mobile internet, smart speakers are now paving the way for a more connected, voice-driven future. From smart speakers to FireTV, EchoSpot, and beyond, the possibilities are endless.
Behind the success of smart speakers lies the growing potential of voice interaction. As the industry matures, only those who can deliver superior user experiences will thrive. Song Shaopeng believes that service quality and seamless interaction will be key differentiators.
Collaboration with Tencent has allowed Mitang to enhance user experience through rich content, such as music, videos, and e-commerce services. This integration ensures that voice interaction isn’t just about technology—it’s about delivering real value to users.
Amazon Echo’s success, with over 33 million units sold in the U.S., shows the importance of both hardware and a vast ecosystem of “skills.†Companies like Google and Microsoft are catching up, but Echo’s dominance highlights the need for continuous innovation.
Voice interaction is becoming as common as Wi-Fi, enabling users to control everything from smart rice cookers to home appliances. As more products gain voice capabilities, the industry is evolving rapidly.
For companies like Broadlink and Bolian Technology, the rise of smart speakers has led to increased sales of complementary products like smart sockets and remote controls. These devices help bridge the gap between traditional and smart homes, offering users a smoother transition.
Voice interaction is no longer limited to speakers. It’s expanding into TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and even cars. This decentralization means that more devices will become part of the smart ecosystem, driven by voice.
Mitang Technology continues to innovate, developing solutions for different scenarios—from single-microphone setups for small devices to advanced arrays for larger ones. Their single-microphone solution, certified by Amazon, has proven highly effective in various environments.
Looking ahead, the integration of 5G, AR, and VR will further transform how we interact with technology. Voice will play a central role in making these interactions more natural and intuitive.
As more people experience the convenience of voice-controlled smart homes, they begin to see the true potential of “everything interconnected.†From turning off lights to ordering food or calling a doctor, the future of human-computer interaction is already here. And it’s only just beginning.
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