In one example a controller comprises logic, at least partially including hardware logic, configured to detect a key phrase in a received audio signal, and in response to the key phrase, to transmit a signal to a personal assistant in a remote electronic device, determine whether an audio input was received, and in response to a determination that additional audio input was received prior to receiving a response from the personal assistant in the remote electronic device, to buffer the audio input in a memory and forward the audio input to the personal assistant in the remote electronic device. Other examples may be described.