China has made significant strides in the tech industry, creating its own search engines, e-commerce platforms, and video streaming services. Yet, when it comes to smart speakers, the country has lagged behind global leaders like Amazon and Google. Bloomberg reported earlier this month on the challenges facing China's smart speaker market.
While the U.S. saw 14 million smart speakers sold last year, Counterpoint Research projects only 2 million will enter China this year, indicating a nascent market for AI-powered audio devices. Gartner analyst Tracy Tsai noted that the technology for understanding and responding to Chinese in conversational formats remains underdeveloped, particularly in speech recognition—a crucial factor affecting consumer adoption.
Yu Kai, CEO of Horizon Robotics and founder of Baidu's Deep Learning Institute, highlighted another obstacle: the fast-paced lifestyle of many Chinese urbanites, particularly younger professionals, who often lack time to engage with smart speakers at home. "People here are preoccupied with work and commuting," he explained. "It’s still unclear if smart speakers will resonate with our audience."
Chinese consumers tend to prioritize mobile devices over stationary gadgets. A 2016 study showed that 70% of Baidu's iQIYI users watched content on smartphones or tablets, compared to Netflix users who predominantly use TVs. Despite these trends, major tech companies remain optimistic. JD.com anticipates producing 1 million smart speakers by year-end, while Counterpoint forecasts China's market could hit 22 million units by 2020.
Alibaba and Tencent have already launched voice-activated programs, and Baidu showcased a smart speaker prototype at its recent AI expo. Questions about weather were among the most frequent queries directed at the device. Meanwhile, Conexant Technologies is collaborating with over 60 Chinese firms to enhance smart audio capabilities.
Rather than standalone speakers, some believe AI will flourish within smart homes. Last year, Chinese buyers accounted for 65% of global smart home purchases, a figure projected to grow to 9.51 million units by 2020. Refrigerators from brands like Midea and JD.com are now equipped with cameras and software that recognize food contents, offering reminders to eat healthier meals. Zhang Chen, CTO of JD.com, emphasized the importance of integrating technology into everyday life. "AI isn't just about innovation—it’s about practical applications," he remarked.
Though China's smart speaker market is still emerging, its potential is vast. As tech evolves alongside consumer habits, the future of AI-powered devices in the home seems promising, even if the journey is just beginning.
Al2O3 Aerospace Ceramics, Aerospace Ceramic Part, ceramic for aerospace
Yixing Guangming Special Ceramics Co.,Ltd , https://www.yxgmtc.com