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Award ID contains: 2315735

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  1. This study investigates how individuals with visual disabilities and their sighted counterparts perceive user experiences with smart speakers. A sample of 79 participants, including 41 with visual disabilities and 38 sighted individuals, used Amazon Echo 4th Gen smart speakers. After participants used the smart speakers for one week in their daily lives, exit interviews were administered and analyzed, yielding themes of accessibility, effectiveness, enjoyment, efficiency, and privacy. Findings revealed that the voice user interfaces of smart speakers significantly enhanced accessibility and user satisfaction for those with visual disabilities, while the voice assistant Alexa contributed to fostering emotional connections. Sighted participants, while benefiting from the smart speaker's multifunctionality and efficiency, faced challenges with initial setup and advanced features. Individuals with visual disabilities raised privacy concerns. This study underscores the need for inclusive design improvements to address the diverse needs of all users. To improve user experience, future enhancements should focus on refining voice command accuracy, integrating predictive features, optimizing onboarding processes, and strengthening privacy controls. 
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    Free, publicly-accessible full text available May 5, 2026