Artificial intelligence(AI) is one of the greatest technological development mankind has achieved. Artificial intelligence as the name implies is the ability of a computer or computer based machine carry out tasks usually associated with intelligent beings.
AI lets machines think like humans and mimic human actions. Most people usually associate AI with only robots. But actually, AI is more wide spread than you think.
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What is an AI Assistant?
An AI assistant is an application program that receives and understands natural language voice commands and completes tasks for the users based on the voice command entered. Basically, AI assistants are cloud based and require an internet connection to function.
AI assistants are capable of performing simple tasks for end-users such as doing quick searches and providing information; adding tasks to a calendar; or controlling and checking the status of smart home devices, including cameras, lights, and thermostats.
AI virtual assistants also have the capability to perform other tasks such as creating text messages, receiving phone calls, getting directions, reading news and weather reports, checking flight reservations, finding hotels or restaurants, playing music, and others.
“Kindly Note: Some AI assistants are developed privately for individuals or organizations who can afford them. They might be able to do high-intelligence level tasks But, the ones mentioned in this post are for public use.”
#1 Google Assistant
Google Assistant was launched in 2016. It is an artificial intelligence–powered virtual assistant developed by Google that is primarily available on mobile and smart home devices eg; cars, fridges, smartphones etc. Unlike the company’s previous virtual assistant, Google Now, the Google Assistant can engage in two-way conversations. Google Assistant can be found in devices using the Android OS.
Some of it’s basic functionalities are;
- Control your devices and your smart home.
- Access information from your calendars and other personal information.
- Find information online, like directions, weather and news.
- Translating in real-time
- Run timers and reminders
#2 Siri
Siri was released in October 2011 by Apple inc. It is a virtual assistant that is part of Apple Inc.’s iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, and tvOS operating systems. Siri adapts to users’ searches, languages, and preferences. In September 2018, the increased popularity of Siri became clear from a survey conducted on American adults.
Some of it’s basic functionalities are;
- Get answers to questions
- Check the weather
- Perform searches
- Answer questions
- Send messages and make phone calls
#3 Cortana
Cortana is a widely popular AI assistant owned by Microsoft. Cortana uses the Bing search engine, NLP, and data from devices to offer personalized recommendations. It has APIs that work with various Windows and 3rd party apps.
Some of it’s basic functionalities are;
- Hands-free help
- Answers questions
- Provides reminders and keeps notes
- Takes care of tasks
- Helps in managing the calendar
#4 Alexa
Alexa, also called Amazon Alexa, is the AI-powered virtual assistant from Amazon. It was first used with Amazon Echo and Amazon Echo Dot smart speakers, however, now it’s available on various platforms like Android, iOS, etc. It was released in November 2014.
#5 Robin
Robin is an AI voice assistant by Audioburst. It is a holistic model of language semantics and a unified methodology with reusable building blocks. Unlike Siri, it is open, expandable, responds to gestures, and can learn new concepts and phrases
#6 Elsa Speak
ELSA Speak is a popular AI-powered app to learn how to speak English. Users of this app can learn how to speak English and pronounce English words with the help of short dialogues. AI helps them with instant feedback, therefore, they can expect to make quick progress.
#7 Youper
Youper is an AI-powered emotional health assistant app and is developed from the funding of Goodwater Capital. It uses several AI to personalize various techniques and understand its users better while simultaneously tracking their mood. The app enjoys excellent reviews on app stores and experts have rated it highly.
#8 Socratic
Socratic is an AI-powered app to help students with math and other homework, and Google has recently disclosed that it has acquired this app. Students can take pictures using their phone camera, subsequently, Socratic uses its AI capabilities to provide visual explanations for the concepts that students need to learn.
Socratic uses text and speech recognition, and it can support learning science, math, literature, social studies, etc. This app is available on Android and iOS, and it’s compatible with the iPad.
#9 Hound
Hound is an AI voice assistant app. Its app utilizes proprietary Deep Meaning and Speech-to-Meaning Understanding technologies. It has an impressive array of customers including Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Motorola, and Hyundai.
#10 Fyle
Fyle is an AI-powered expense management app, and it’s available on desktop, Android and iOS. It’s a key player in the intelligent expense management space, and Fyle has recently launched direct integrations with Google G Suite and Microsoft Office 365.
Conclusion
With large companies like Google, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft backing the development of their AI assistants, you can only expect more developments as time goes by. AI assistants will be able to handle even more complex tasks. Thereby making our day to day activities easier.
