Glossary
What is a wake word?
Definition
A wake word is a specific spoken phrase that activates a voice assistant and tells it to start listening for a command. Until it hears the wake word, the device stays in a low-power standby state. Common examples are the phrases used to summon smart speakers and phone assistants.
01How wake word detection works
A small, always-on model runs locally on the device and continuously listens for the specific wake word pattern. When it detects a likely match, it wakes the fuller system to process the command that follows, often sending that audio for deeper recognition. Keeping detection on-device helps preserve privacy and reduce power use.
02Wake words versus phone systems
Wake words are typical of hands-free devices like smart speakers, where there is no clear signal that a user wants to talk. On a phone call the context is different, because answering or placing a call already signals intent, so a wake word is usually unnecessary. Instead, phone assistants rely on the call itself and on turn-taking to know when to listen.
03Accuracy trade-offs
Wake word systems balance false accepts, activating when no one intended, against false rejects, failing to wake when called. Background noise, similar-sounding phrases, and different accents all affect reliability. Designers tune sensitivity and may allow users to train or choose a wake word to improve results.
Frequently asked questions
Does a phone AI receptionist need a wake word?
Usually not. On a phone call, answering or dialing already signals intent to talk, so the assistant relies on the call and turn-taking rather than a wake word.
Is my device always recording because of the wake word?
Wake word detection listens locally for a specific phrase and typically only begins fuller processing after it hears that phrase, rather than continuously recording everything.
Related terms
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