Global Scans · Voice Assistants · Weekly Summary

• [New] Gemini will now be a foundational piece of Apple Intelligence and will underpin the next-generation Siri voice assistant, which is set to launch in 2026. Morningstar, Inc.
• [New] The AI training carries over, but each channel has quirks (Instagram users expect faster responses than email, WhatsApp users send voice notes). TailorTalk
• [New] Verizon will be obligated to expand affordable voice and broadband options, including protections for low-income customers, in California. TelecomTV
• [New] Smart wearables with voice assistants and intelligent features are expected to account for 58% of volume by 2028. Gadget Hacks
• [New] By 2026, voice commerce is projected to reach $164 billion globally. Medium
• [New] In 2026, users expect seamless transitions between web, mobile, tablet, desktop applications, smartwatches, voice assistants, and emerging platforms. Medium
• [New] By 2026, smarter, multimodal, reasoning AI models will accept and integrate diverse inputs (documents, images, time series, logs, and voice) into a unified representation of a problem and then reason over it using techniques such as chain of thought, tool use, and retrieval from knowledge bases. EZO.io
• [New] In 2026, voice will stop being treated as a nice-to-have UX layer and start behaving like core infrastructure. Developer-First
• [New] By 2026, more consumers will use smart devices to search using images or voice commands, making traditional SEO strategies less effective on their own. DigiGrow_Blogs
• [New] Platforms that nail voice recognition for healthcare terminology will own the medical space by 2026. Software House
• [New] Multilingual voice search, visual search integration, and enhanced AI understanding will shape best long-tail keywords for voice search optimization 2026 strategies. sanaledison
• [New] Google has confirmed plans to monetise its Gemini AI chatbot with advertising placements expected later in 2026. Brandnation
• [New] Voice AI is projected to save the US healthcare economy $150 billion annually by 2026 through appointment scheduling, symptom checking, and patient follow-up automation. InfoFina.com
• [New] 80% of businesses plan to use AI-driven voice technology in customer service by 2026, reporting 20-30% operational cost reductions. InfoFina.com
• [New] Voice assistant users in the United States will reach 157 million by 2026. InfoFina.com
• [New] Voice commerce is projected to grow by over 50% in 2026. Wiserreview
• [New] In Europe, regulators may begin issuing information requests to AI chatbot providers that have not addressed or mitigated risks identified under laws including the GDPR, DSA, and the OSA. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Professional Corporati
• [New] Ford outlined a road map for an AI-powered voice assistant launching via Ford and Lincoln apps in 2026 and in-vehicle in 2027, plus a Level 3 hands-free, eyes-off driving system targeted for 2028 on its Universal EV Platform. MarketingProfs
• [New] Zendesk's Answer Bot with Voice Integration will dominate service-based industries by 2026. Software House
• [New] Microsoft's Copilot Voice will dominate transport and logistics by 2026. Software House

Last updated: 19 January 2026