A Closer Look at Xerox’s New ‘Gabi Voice’ Voice-Command Solution for Xerox AltaLink Copier/MFPs

This week, Xerox introduced a new voice-command solution, called Gabi Voice, for its AltaLink copier/MFPs. In a new blog post, Xerox’s Sarah Vollo, global marketing manager for Xerox Solutions and Apps Offerings, provides a closer look at the new solution.

First off, Gabi stands for “Global Artificial Business Intelligence,” and it enable users to give verbal instructions to their Xerox AltaLink MFP. At this time, it’s only available in the United States, with English-only now currently available. It’s available from Xerox direct and Xerox resellers.

Xerox’s partner, Gabi Solutions, developed Gabi Voice to support section 508c of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which governs accessibility of information technology in the U.S. federal government. This means that workers of all abilities will be able to use several of their Xerox AltaLink MFP’s functions simply by stating the “wake-up” word, “Gabi,” followed by a command – regardless of the worker’s visual impairments, learning disabilities, or limited motor skills.

Users can tell their AltaLink MFP to copy, scan and send a document to an email recipient, fax a document, and print securely, and even place a service call with a voice command (for service calls, Gabi will gather pertinent device information, such as the device’s serial number, and then send an email to the customer’s service provider).

Voice commands can be spoken in any order without clicking through multiple menus. For example, the command “Gabi, make 10 copies black and white double-sided” or “Gabi, make 10 copies double-sided black and white” is interpreted the same by Gabi.

DIY hardware installation

“Do it yourself” installation means customers don’t need technical experience to install Gabi Voice. The hardware uses a 5.1 volt micro USB power adapter that is UL approved, and it’s covered by Gabi Solutions’ warranty for one year. The kit includes:

• 1-to-1 Gabi Smartbox: An Ethernet/USB/Bluetooth-equipped micro-controller that communicates directly with the Xerox AltaLink MFP.
• Speaker: An on-premises dedicated and integrated microphone/speaker that enables users to talk to their MFP. A USB connects the speaker directly to the Gabi Smartbox.

One key concern may be security. However, Xerox says it’s implemented these security provisions:

Whitelisting: Gabi Voice only performs functions that are pre-programmed. When Gabi Voice detects a command, it uses a corresponding set of machine-executable actions from a whitelist of known functions. No personal information is exchanged or stored.
Storage and encryption: All data is encrypted, and no data is stored.
Voice activation and the wake-up word: Gabi Voice only begins to listen for pre-programmed commands when a user says “Gabi…”
Frequent, automatic updates: Security patches can be proactively applied.
Security certifications: Gabi Voice and all software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings for the Gabi Smartbox meet the following security guidelines and certifications set forth by IBM Watson: ISO 9001, ISO 1400, ISO 50001, OHSAS 1800, Privacy Shield, DAL09, PAR01, HITRUST, ISO 27018, ISO 27017, ISO 27001, SOC 1, SOC 2, FISMA, NIST, GDPR, 508(c).

Gabi Voice currently supports these Xerox AltaLink MFPs: AltaLink C8030/C8035/C8045/C8055/C8070, and AltaLink B8045/B8055/B8065/B8075/B8090

More Resources

• June 2018: New Xerox Voice Command Solution for Copy, Print, Fax, Scan, Service Calls
• February 2018: ‘Print My Calendar:’ HP Introduces Voice-Activated Printing
• December 2017: Sharp Is First Copier Provider Working With ‘Alexa for Business’ for Voice-Driven Copiers, More
• August 2017: Alexa, Please Scan this Document to the Cloud: Xerox Voice Recognition for Copier/MFPs