As smart speakers become commonplace, more people are conducting searches and interacting with brands using no visual component whatsoever. To maintain its presence and relevance among audio-first consumers, Mastercard has introduced a musical logo as part of its sonic brand identity.

Forget writing a list, running a quick errand, or even opening an app – where once online grocery shopping was the peak of convenience, Walmart’s voice-assisted collab with Apple and Google is upping the ante. As seamless shopping becomes the norm, the retailer is pivoting to meet shifting demand.

Google has partnered with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) to train its voice-recognition algorithms to better understand people with speech impairments. As people call for more accessibility in tech, the company is using its voice assistant to try to break down barriers.

How will robotic companions provide physical and emotional support? Could hands-free devices replace smartphones? And what are people doing to manage digital overload? In this part of the 2020 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about how innovation and distrust are shaping tech usage.