Abstract: Systems and methods to measure and affect focus, engagement, and presence of users may include measuring a variety of aspects of users engaged in particular activities. Individual user characteristics or preferences and attributes of activities may be taken into account to determine levels of focus for particular users and activities. A variety of sensors may detect aspects of users engaged in activities to measure levels of focus. In addition, a variety of output devices may initiate actions to affect levels of focus of users engaged in activities. Further, a variety of processing algorithms, including machine learning models, may be trained to identify desired levels of focus, to calculate current levels of focus, and to select actions to change or boost levels of focus. In this manner, activities undertaken by users, as well as interactions between multiple users, may be made more engaging, efficient, and productive.

Abstract: A speech processing system configured to convey linked content to a user in a voice user interface (VUI) environment is described. The system may create output audio data that includes an audible indicator (e.g., a beep) that indicates to a user linked content. An audible indicator may be located at the beginning and/or end of linked content in the output audio data. The system may also output non-linked content in a first voice while outputting linked content in a second voice. The system may further overlay audio atop the linked portion of the output audio data, with the overlaid audio indicating the linked content to the user. A user may invoke linked content in output audio by speaking the linked content, or a portion thereof, back to the system. The system may then output the linked, additional content to the user.