July 2024
Case
HBS Case Collection

The Voice Wars Continues 2024: Hey Google vs. Alexa vs. Siri vs. ChatGPT

By: David B. Yoffie and Sarah von Bargen

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:6

Abstract

In 2024, the Voice War was transforming from a relatively simple index-based technology system, which relied on a list of commands and answers, to a generative AI system, which offered the promise to enable free flowing conversations between people and machines. The introduction of Gen AI could change the complexity of competition. On the one hand, it could revolutionize the space, upending existing leaders, and offering a powerful value proposition. On the other hand, voice-enabled technology had never made any money for competitors, and Gen AI would almost certainly add significant costs to every query. With ChatGPT’s entry into the voice wars, Alexa’s long-standing leadership would be tested.