Quoting the 'momentum of connected home technology gathering pace across the globe,' Officeworks has announced its integration with the Google Assistant so you can talk to the Officeworks bot
Officially enabled in Google Home and Google Home Mini, as well as eligible Android and iOS smartphones, Officeworks tells us its customers now have another way to engage with the leading retailer, in five simple words “Ok Google, talk to Officeworks.”
Just using your voice, you can search product information and check product availability in-store, find store locations and trading hours, if you're a Google Assistant user on the platforms mentioned above, you now have unprecedented" access to information of more than 35,000 products online and 165 stores across the country."
This kind of integration was once relegated to the Star Trek Next Generation computer interface of the future, but it's now available in more primitive yet still technologically advanced 21st century format, and only set to get better.
{loadposition alex08}Indeed, Amazon only announced today that Alexa and Amazon Echo speakers are coming to Australia in early 2018, and one can imagine Officeworks integrating with Alexa's assistance down the track too, with Siri and HomePod, Bixby and presumably even Cortana support in the future too.
But all of that is in the future, with Officeworks on Google Assistant today, right now, just like any iOS update would be.
Accessing Officeworks through the Google Assistant also lets you add products to your ‘shopping list’, and in a few simple steps, place an order on the Officeworks website.
Officeworks Customer Experience & eCommerce Manager, David Pisker, said that "the integration of Officeworks with the Google Assistant is continuing proof of the retailer’s commitment to offering Australians a seamless every-channel experience."
“We are excited to provide customers with another way to engage with our brand anywhere, anytime and in any way they want.
“It’s easier than ever to manage different aspects of your home and office ahead of time or from a remote location. Our aim is to educate Australians on how this smart technology can benefit their everyday lives,” he said.
Officeworks report its customers have responded positively to the company's "broader smart home and office range, with increasing awareness and interest resulting in more than 250% sales growth in the category YOY."
The Officeworks Google Home Wi-Fi page has more information on Google Home, Google Home Mini, Google Wi-Fi (home Wi-Fi router) and Google Chromecast for TVs and speakers.
We're also reminded that "this announcement comes weeks after Officeworks’ launched a free two hour Click & Collect service," which Officeworks proudly boasts that "along with its free same-day delivery, cements its reputation as one of Australia’s leading every-channel retailers."
Officeworks partnered with its digital agency partner, FIRST, to deliver the project, which we're told "marks only the beginning of an exciting journey in this space."
More information from Officeworks on its brand new Google Assistant integration, including the video below, is here.
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