And it is, to a degree.
Here’s our quick primer on what these assistants technically are and how they work.
So What Is a Virtual Assistant?
RyanKing999/Getty
Also calleddigitalassistants, these smart tools can be voice-activated.
Examples include Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa but many companies are coming up with their own versions.
Your car, for instance, might have a voice-activated assistant that helps with navigation or other vehicle issues.
Fajrul Islam/Getty
As artificial intelligence improves, their use and functions will continue to evolve.
Over time, virtual assistants learn your habits and preferences, continually becoming more intuitive.
As digital assistants become more advanced, their role in everyday life will only grow.
Bloomberg/Getty
However, since they’re passive listening devices, they usually need a wake word or command to activate.
It’s not unheard of that the gadget could start recording without a wake word.
For example, “Hey Siri, what was the score of the Eagle’s game?”
you could have another go by rephrasing your question or speaking louder or slower.
In some cases, there may be some back and forth, like if you ask for an Uber.
You might have to provide additional information about your location or destination.
Most virtual assistants are smart enough to understand natural language, but you have to be specific.
You have to say, “Alexa, ask Uber to request a ride.”
Typically, you better speak to your virtual assistant because it’s listening for voice commands.
Some can reply to typed commands from a smartphone or computer app associated with the assistant.
Also, Siri can respond by text rather than speech if you prefer.
It’s more accurately considered a chatbot since it’s not yet integrated into any phones or devices.
Learnhow to use ChatGPTto see how it works.
The Popular Virtual Assistants
Here’s a rundown of some of the more popular digital assistants.
you’ve got the option to also find it on some third-party speakers from brands like Sonos.
Its multi-room music feature lets you play the same tunes from each of your Echo speakers simultaneously.
Bixby
Samsung’s take on virtual assistants is Bixby.
For example, take a picture of a building to have Bixby tell you more about it.
you’re able to evenset it up on an iPhone.
you’ve got the option to interact with Google Assistant on your smartwatch, laptop, and TV.
While you could use specific voice commands, it also responds to a conversational tone and follow-up questions.
Google Assistant interacts with a multitude of apps and smart home devices.
Siri
Siri, perhaps the most well-known virtual assistant, is Apple’s brainchild.
you might also teach it how to pronounce names correctly.
For commands, you’re able to use natural language.
When Google Assistant first launched, it used the voice of a Google employee named Kiki Baessell.
kick off the Google app and tapprofile icon>parameters>Google Assistant>Assistant voice & sounds.
Scroll through the options and choose the one you like best.
