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Personalized Devices: The Power of User-Defined Wake Words

11th Sep, 2025
3 min read
Personalized Devices: The Power of User-Defined Wake Words

Sensory recently hosted a webinar, Personalized Devices: The Power of User-Defined Wake Words, featuring insights from:

Moderated by Amanda Defelice, the session explored how user-defined triggers (UDTs) are transforming personalization, security, and usability across consumer and enterprise devices.

Watch the full webinar here, or keep reading to catch the highlights.

What Are User-Defined Wake Words?

Traditional wakewords — like “Hey Siri” or “OK Google” — are fixed and the same for everyone. In contrast, user-defined triggers allow individuals to create their own unique activation phrase, which can be shared across groups or personalized per user.

As Dave Rich explained during the webinar:

“The beauty of user-defined triggers is that they combine the familiarity of a custom phrase with the intelligence of speaker discrimination. Your device not only wakes up when you call it — it knows who you are.”

For developers and device makers, this represents a major step toward true personalization at scale.

???? Learn more about Sensory’s wake word technology

Personalization at Scale

Dr. Paul Hosom broke down how UDTs work in real-world deployments:

“Imagine a household where everyone enrolls using the same wake word (fixed wakeword), like ‘Hey Jarvis,’ but the device knows whether it’s the parent, the teenager, or even the guest — thanks to speaker verification. Or, each person could choose their own unique wake word for an even more personalized experience.”

This capability extends beyond smart homes — into automotive, enterprise platforms, and even healthcare devices, where personalization can improve safety and user trust.

Light Security, Simplified

Another benefit discussed was the security layer that comes with wake word discrimination. By combining UDTs with voice biometrics, devices can filter out unauthorized users without requiring complex passwords or extra steps.

Jeff Rogers noted:

“We think of it as light security — simple, intuitive, and built into the way people already interact with devices.”

???? Explore Sensory’s voice biometrics and speaker verification solutions

Wake Words, Explained

The panel also clarified the different types of wakewords, including:

  • Speaker-independent fixed wake words (traditional, always-on)

  • Enrolled fixed triggers (set phrases tied to a specific user’s voice)

  • User-defined triggers (UDTs) (personalized and flexible)

  • Wake words with biometric layers (future-forward, combining security and personalization)

This breakdown helps device makers choose the right wake word technology for their product strategy.

Real-World Use Cases

From smart speakers to in-car assistants, the panel shared how Sensory customers are already experimenting with UDTs:

  • Smart home hubs that recognize different family members

  • Enterprise collaboration tools that personalize commands per employee

  • Healthcare devices that adapt to a patient’s unique voice and needs

As Rich emphasized:

“Wake words are no longer just about turning a device on. They’re about creating experiences that feel personal, private, and natural.”

Key Takeaway

Personalized devices are here — and user-defined wake words are leading the charge. By combining flexibility, light security, and speaker discrimination, UDTs are helping device makers deliver smarter, more human interactions.

Discover how Sensory’s wakewords  and voice biometrics solutions can power the next generation of personalized devices.

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