I Replaced My Mouse with a Voice Assistant at Work—Here’s How It Boosted My Productivity

I started to use voice assistants slowly, but now I use them on a daily basis. I first simply used them on my phone to do simple things like making reminders. It became even simpler when I began using voice commands on my smartwatch. Over time, I realized how much more efficient I could be, which led me to take a bigger step—I replaced my mouse with a voice assistant at work. Now, instead of clicking through menus and tabs, I can get things done faster just by speaking commands.

I have now gone a step farther and utilize a voice assistant on my PC. I simply give my computer a command, and it reacts, saving me from having to click around with a mouse. I save time and effort by using voice control to retrieve files, send emails, and access apps.

Although I never imagined that I would no longer use a mouse, employing a voice assistant has sped up and simplified my work.

Voice Commands: A Distraction-Free Way to Work

My job, like many others, requires deep concentration. I’m not great at multitasking, and even having two app windows open at once can break my focus. Something as simple as moving the mouse can be enough to make me lose track of what I’m doing. It happens faster than I’d like to admit.

With a voice assistant, I can skip the distractions. Instead of reaching for the mouse or switching windows, I just say a wake word like “Hi Bixby” and give a command. My computer processes the request in the background without me having to shift my attention.

Since I work from my phone—a Galaxy Z Fold 6—and frequently use Samsung DeX, Bixby is my go-to voice assistant. Whenever I activate Bixby, a small prompt appears in the bottom right corner of my screen, confirming that it’s picking up my words correctly. Most of the time, it understands me just fine.

Using a voice assistant also pairs well with another focus-enhancing trick: hiding the taskbar. By keeping my digital workspace clear of unnecessary distractions, I can stay on track and be more productive.

Effortlessly Manage Apps with Bixby: Open, Switch, and Close with Voice Commands

I use multiple apps throughout the day to get my work done. Most of the time, I have a note-taking app and a web browser open side by side, but sometimes, I work entirely within a browser. When I need to open a new app, I’ve found that using Bixby is often the fastest way. Instead of manually searching for the app with my mouse or tapping through menus, I simply say, “Hi Bixby, open Slack” or “Hi Bixby, open My Files.” In seconds, the app appears on my screen, ready to use.

If the app is already open in the background, Bixby doesn’t launch a duplicate instance—it simply brings the app to the foreground so I can get back to work immediately. This eliminates the need to search for open windows, keeping my workflow smooth and efficient.

When I’m done using an app, I don’t need to move my mouse to close it. Instead, I can say, “Hi Bixby, close Slack,” and the app will shut down instantly. Whether the app is in the foreground or running in the background, Bixby handles it effortlessly, helping me save time and stay focused.

Control Your Music Hands-Free with a Voice Assistant

I enjoy listening to lo-fi or chillhop music while I work because it helps me stay focused. However, opening the Music app often leads to unnecessary distractions, like browsing through albums and deciding what to play. Instead, I use my voice assistant to control my music hands-free. Simply saying, “Hi Bixby, resume music,” allows me to continue listening to whatever was last playing without getting sidetracked.

This method keeps my workflow uninterrupted, letting me set the right atmosphere effortlessly. Since I primarily listen to my personal MP3 collection using the Samsung Music app, I hoped Bixby would let me open specific albums via voice commands. Unfortunately, it often redirects me to YouTube instead, which is a minor downside. Nonetheless, using a voice assistant to manage my music still reduces distractions and helps me maintain my focus.

Using My Voice Assistant to Set Timers and Take Breaks

I use voice assistants to set timers, whether on my smartwatch, phone, or desktop. It’s a simple but effective way to manage my work sessions without getting distracted by opening extra apps.

Timers have become a key part of my productivity routine. Instead of searching for a Pomodoro app, I simply ask my voice assistant to set a timer for my preferred work period—usually 50 minutes. Once the timer ends, I take a 10-minute break, which I track using my smartwatch. This ensures I get a reminder no matter where I am, even if I step away from my desk.

Bixby sets timers using the default clock app on my device, making it easy to check how much time is left at a glance.

Of course, I haven’t completely replaced my mouse. I still rely on it for navigating within apps and typing. There are also times when voice commands aren’t ideal, like when I’m working in a shared space. But more and more, I see my mouse as the backup option—my voice assistant is now my go-to tool for simple tasks.

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FAQ

Can a voice assistant fully replace a mouse and keyboard?
While a voice assistant can handle many tasks like opening apps, setting timers, and managing music, it cannot completely replace a mouse and keyboard. Some tasks, like detailed navigation within an app or typing long documents, still require traditional input methods.

How accurate are voice assistants in recognizing commands?
Modern voice assistants, including Bixby, are generally accurate, especially in quiet environments. However, accuracy can vary based on background noise, pronunciation, and the complexity of the command.

Is using a voice assistant more efficient than using a mouse?
For simple tasks like switching apps, setting timers, and controlling music, using a voice assistant can be faster than a mouse. However, for tasks requiring precise control, such as video editing or graphic design, a mouse is still the better tool.

Can Bixby be used to navigate within apps?
Bixby can open, close, and switch between apps, but it has limitations when it comes to detailed in-app navigation. For example, it can’t click on specific elements or scroll within an app the way a mouse can.

Does using a voice assistant help with productivity?
Yes, using a voice assistant can reduce distractions by eliminating the need to switch between windows or navigate menus manually. It streamlines repetitive tasks, helping users stay focused and work more efficiently.