- Siri
Siri uses voice queries and a natural language user interface (UI) to function, and it can make calls, send text messages, answer questions, and offer recommendations. It delegates requests to several Internet services, moreover, Siri can adapt to users’ language, searches, and preferences.
The popularity of Siri becomes clear from a survey conducted in September 2018, where the respondents were American adults. The survey showed that 44% of the smartphone users that used a voice assistant are using Siri, putting Siri ahead of competitors
- Cortana
Another AI app that hardly needs an introduction is Cortana, the virtual assistant from Microsoft. This AI-powered virtual assistant is available on Windows 10, Windows mobile, Invoke smart speaker, Microsoft Band, Android, iOS, Windows Mixed Reality (MR), Amazon Alexa, and Xbox One.
Cortana is also available on popular headsets like HyperX CloudX, Razer Kraken 7.1 V2, Logitech G933, and Sennheiser GSP350. Windows 10 PCs have Cortana in-built, and it can help users of such PCs with simple tasks from day one. Cortana offers hands-free help, answers questions, provides reminders, keeps notes, takes care of tasks, and helps in managing the calendar. Over time, Cortana “learns” and attends to more complex tasks.
Cortana uses natural language processing, Bing search engine, and data from devices to offer personalized recommendations, moreover, it has an API that can work with various Windows and 3rd party apps.
A 2018 report stated that Cortana was available on 400 million devices, which translates to a large user base. However, the AI-powered virtual assistance landscape is highly competitive, and reports indicate that Cortana is facing stiff competition.
- Google Assistant
Launched in 2016, Google Assistant, i.e., the AI-enabled, voice-powered virtual assistant from Google has made significant strides. It’s considered as one of the more advanced virtual assistants.
Google has entered into partnerships with several companies and made Google Assistant available on a wide range of devices, e.g., smartphones, fridges, headphones, and cars. Google Assistant supports both voice or text entry, and it uses natural language processing. It offers various services, e.g., voice commands, voice searching, voice-activated device control, helping with tasks, finding information online, sending reminders, making appointments, translating in real-time, etc.
An October 2018 report indicated that Google has expanded the reach of Google Assistant significantly, and it now works with 10,000 devices across 1,000 brands. This includes iPhones, and indications are that Google will partner with more brands. Its active user base is increasing noticeably.
- 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.
Alexa uses voice queries, natural language processing, etc. to offer many services, e.g., voice interaction, music playback, etc. It can create to-do lists, set up alarms, stream podcasts, play audiobooks, moreover, Alexa can provide real-time information on weather, traffic, news, sports, etc.
Many devices with Alexa let users activate Alexa with a wake-word, e.g., however, other devices like Android or iOS require users to push a button. You can use Alexa on PCs like Windows and Mac, and this requires a few simple steps to set it up.
- 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.
This app uses speech recognition technology, and its website claims that there have been over 4.4 million downloads of its app. ELSA Speak also claims to have over 3.6 million users in 101 countries.
There is a trial period of 7 days, subsequently, the user will need to buy ELSA Pro. ELSA Speak is available on Android and iOS, however, there are no PC or Mac versions at the time of writing.
- 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.
The statistics from Google Play shows over 5 million downloads at the time of writing. The Socratic iOS app enjoys high popularity too, as the high rating in the Apple App Store indicates.
- 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.
- DataBot
DataBot is an AI-powered virtual assistant, and it’s available on Windows 10, Android, and iOS. It’s also available on Xbox One, iPad, iPod, Android tablets, and Windows phones.
This app answers your questions in its voice, and it addresses the topics that matter to you. DataBot has services integrated within it that provide you with images, information, and multimedia presentations based on the topic of your interest. It uses Google searches, Wikipedia, RSS channels, etc. to provide you with information.
You can customize DataBot according to your preference of language, voice, etc. DataBot can speak and understand English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. Using DataBot, you can share information using SMS, email, and social media.
- Hound
Hound is an AI-powered voice assistant app, and it’s available both on Android and iOS. You can search for information using your natural voice, and then you can follow-up to refine the results. Hound can be used hands-free.
It can give you accurate results quickly, and it can make a phone call or send a text message for you. You can get news, weather information, find a hotel nearby, navigate to an address, call an Uber, check flight status, and more!
The app uses its proprietary Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies. Hound has an impressive array of customers, e.g., Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Motorola, and Hyundai.
- Youper
An AI-powered emotional health assistant app, Youper is available both on Android and iOS. This app can help users take control of their emotional health as they can have quick conversations with it. Youper can guide users through personalized meditations.
Users can understand themselves better and track their mood with the help of Youper. Youper uses AI to personalize various techniques