You're right, I'm lumping them together, as per the article:
> Then, a text from Viv piped up: "Would you like toppings with that?"
That's not a very good UX in my opinion.
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> Think star trek 'Computer show me a map of the omnicrom system and highlight possible habitable planets within 10 light years of our current position'
Yes, it would be a nice additional input method , although sometimes pointing things out (like selecting with the mouse or finger) is a lot more efficient than trying to explain it - "highlight that one.. no, no, not that one, the other one! ... stupid toaster!"
I can see voice input being useful when combined with all the other input methods plus good realtime visual feedback.
My prediction is that we'll have really interesting programming environments and programming languages based on voice input in the next couple of years.
Still, voice input is practical in an isolated space, were there are no other people using voice input as well, so although I see a niche, I don't see it replacing mobile devices just yet.
I think you're confusing the matter by lumping voice input and voice output into one bucket.
Think star trek 'Computer show me a map of the omnicrom system and highlight possible habitable planets within 10 light years of our current position'