Recently, voice assistants have increasingly penetrated our daily lives. Most users of the iPhone and other Apple products are familiar with one of them - Siri, but few understand all the prospects of virtual assistants and know how to use all their capabilities and functions.
What is a voice assistant
Imagine, your devoted friend is always next to you, who is ready to talk to you at any time of the day or night, answer any of your questions and carry out instructions. At the same time, he never gets tired, he is never in a bad mood, and every day he becomes smarter and understands you better. These are the voice assistants that are available for everyday use today.
Voice assistants are built into computers, tablets, phones, smart watch, smart speakers and even into cars. It is important to understand that interaction with the voice assistant is carried out exclusively by voice, without using your hands, without pressing any buttons. It is fundamentally new way interaction between a person and a program, which is very similar to communication between people.
- Siri from Apple.
- Google Assistant Google company.
- Alexa from Amazon.
- Alice from Yandex.
We have already written about and, and in this article we will talk in detail about Siri.
Voice assistant Siri
Siri is a voice assistant that was the first to support the Russian language, and only then did the domestic one appear, released at the end of 2017, and even later in the summer of 2018 it spoke Russian. Siri recognizes Russian speech quite well, even if music is playing nearby or there are extraneous noises.
Siri on iPhone SE Siri wasn't always owned by Apple. Initially, it was a separate application in App Store for iOS. In 2010, Apple acquired Siri Inc. and their unique development. Shortly after the purchase, Apple built Siri into the iPhone 4S and then into its subsequent devices. Then, in 2011, Siri became the first product on the personal voice assistant market.
Siri adapts to each user individually, studies his preferences and begins to better understand his “master”. This is primarily noticeable in the improvement of your voice recognition after the first weeks of use. You can also tell Siri how to address you and the names of your contacts in your address book, so it can understand you better. And when Siri pronounces names incorrectly, you can always correct her and show her the correct accent.
Siri is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and in almost all modern cars via CarPlay. The way you launch Siri and the list of available commands varies depending on your device.
How to launch Siri on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch
Launch by pressing the Home button
Siri is available on all iPhones starting with iPhone 4s and running iOS 5 and higher. To launch Siri on an iPhone (excluding iPhone X), you need to press and hold the center Home button.
To launch Siri on iPhone X, you need to press and hold the side button.
After sound signal, you can make a request. On some devices, you must wait for Siri to appear on the screen before giving a command.
Hey Siri - How to enable Siri with your voice
Siri can be launched solely using your voice, without pressing any buttons at all. All you have to do is say, “Hey Siri.” After the sound signal, you can ask a question or give a command.
To do this, the “Hey Siri” function must be activated on the device: Settings → Siri and search → Listen to “Hey Siri”.
For everyone iPhone models, starting with iPhone 6s and also on iPad Pro This function can be used at any time by saying “Hey Siri” so that it is picked up by the gadget’s microphones. On earlier iPhones and iPads, the always-listening feature only works when your device is connected to a charger.
How to enable Siri on headphones
Using original headset Apple with buttons remote control or compatible Bluetooth headphones, you can activate Siri by pressing the center button or the call button. After the beep, you can make a request.
Using wireless AirPods headset from Apple to launch Siri twice touch the outer surface of any earphone.
Siri on Mac
Siri is available on Mac computers running macOS 10.12 Sierra and later operating system. However, on this moment The functionality of the voice assistant on a Mac is limited. All Siri can do here is make FaceTime calls, write messages, play music, show the weather forecast and help you work with files and folders.
Siri on Mac It is worth noting that working with files on a computer using a voice assistant is really convenient. Siri can carry out quick search files, sort them by type, date or keyword. For example, if you tell Siri, “Show me my photos from yesterday,” a folder with the corresponding media files will open.
There are several ways to activate Siri on Mac:
There will likely be more commands for Siri in future versions of macOS, including commands for HomeKit. This would be a logical continuation of Apple's integration of voice assistant into its laptops and desktops.
Siri functions
Siri, a personal assistant, can answer questions, make recommendations, and carry out commands. Let's look at some of them.
This is just a small part of everything that Siri can do. Acquainted with big amount commands can be found in our article about commands for Siri. You will find a complete list of commands for the voice assistant in iPhones and Home Pod smart speakers in our reference mobile application, which we update regularly. Download the application " Siri commands"You can do it for free. By installing it, you will always have the most up-to-date list of commands for your voice assistant at hand.
A person is always pleased to hear someone's voice. Even if this is the voice of a virtual assistant, and not a real interlocutor. This “conversation” is especially helpful when learning the capabilities of a new gadget, because by downloading Siri to your computer, you get a universal assistant that will help you quickly figure out any device.
Description
Siri is a personal virtual assistant originally developed as a basic application installed on Apple mobile platforms. This program was created at the International Center for Artificial Intelligence, the first versions were released in 2008. The first voice-over of the application was dictated by American actress and singer Susan Bennett. Siri received a Russian-language version on PC in 2014.
The operating principle of the utility is based on natural speech processing, which allows the program to adapt individually to each user. The application has the ability to self-educate - by studying the features of the user’s speech for a long time, it gradually forms its “language base”, expanding the built-in dictionary.
The application has quite a few settings. All of them are concentrated in the section of the same name, where you can configure:
- Activation using a passphrase. After activating this option, your assistant will automatically respond to a greeting voice command.
- Set language support.
- Voice. You can choose whose voice the assistant will use to communicate with you: male or female. It is also possible to customize the voice tone. By the way, it was the presence of a female voice, which became the original version of the voice acting, that gave the utility a female name.
- Audio review. This option allows you to hear what the program is currently doing. Audio feedback will notify you of each action of the utility; if this is not necessary, you can completely disable voice prompts.
Working with the application is not particularly difficult. It is enough just to clearly pronounce the necessary commands, and the assistant will do the rest independently. It is clear that the Siri program on an online computer will not independently print a report or work with documents, but it will cope quite well with searching for the necessary information or saving pictures.
Functional
- Open any application using the appropriate command.
- Record dictation of messages, letters and send them to recipients.
- Publishing posts and comments on online blogs.
- Reminder of various events. This function is only available if you have previously made a record of to-dos in the organizer.
- Linking reminders to location.
- Pad optimal route on the map.
- Tracking exchange rates and weather forecasts.
- Searching for information on the Internet. True, to work with the Internet, the assistant needs to clearly formulate a search query, otherwise you risk getting the wrong result.
Advantages and disadvantages
The obvious advantages include:
- Instant readiness for work after the first start.
- Self-learning - the more you talk to her, the more she understands you.
- Automatic voice memorization and subsequent saving it in the voice database.
- During the training process, Siri on PC learns to respond to non-standard questions. For example, “How is the rain today?” or “Should I take a raincoat with me?”
- You can “introduce” the program to your contact list. It will remember your contact list and will automatically contact familiar users. For example, when using the “Letter for a loved one” command, she will independently send a message to your friend or wife.
- Sense of humor. The developer gradually teaches the program not only to respond to other people’s jokes, but also to create their own.
- Multilingual support with a fully Russified version.
The application does not have many disadvantages:
- Complete helplessness offline. If there is no access to the network, the assistant simply will not get in touch.
- Inability to work with applications. The utility will be able to open them, but then you will have to work on your own.
- Selectivity. Siri for Windows 7 does not always respond adequately to search queries. For example, if you ask to find the results of Spartak games, you can easily get material about a slave rebellion, but not the results of a sports match.
- Excessive initiative. If you do not control the functionality, the assistant may begin to show useless initiative, reminding you of past matters, endlessly informing about the weather forecast, etc.
How to launch Siri on PC
To download Siri to your computer in Russian, you need to seek help from an emulator, the installation of which will not take much time.
To install BlueStacks, download installation file and start the download. After the installation process is completed, the utility will automatically launch, opening the application store login window.
To download the installation file with the assistant, go to the store and use the search bar to find the desired file. After the results appear, select the one you need and press the “Install” button.
- Indigo Virtual Assistant. A virtual assistant-interlocutor, capable of not only performing actions on command, but also maintaining a simple conversation. Indigo has a fairly wide range of functions, but, unfortunately, does not support the Russian language.
- Assistant Lana. A pleasant virtual girl with a cute avatar who acts as a voice assistant. She cannot learn on her own, but the developers are constantly improving Lana, expanding functionality and improving speech recognition.
System requirements
- BlueStacks emulator for any Windows versions or Mac.
- Constant access to the Internet.
- 20 MB of free space.
- The presence of a microphone for communicating with an assistant.
Video review
Results and comments
Downloading Siri to your computer means getting a functional and convenient virtual assistant. True, it will not function without access to the Internet, but it will be indispensable for finding the necessary information and other actions online.
Five examples of applications that can not only replace the well-known Siri, but also surpass it in some functions.
Speaktoit Assistant
The app works similarly to Siri, allowing you to dictate a message in iMessage, open a website, add events to your calendar, and more.
Its interface, however, is not so universal: as an illustration, the voice assistant comes with a drawn girl who “answers” all your questions. The assistant works in conjunction with many applications, with maps, and with productivity management applications. In the future, the developer promises to expand the list of supported programs and tasks.
Google Now
Most famous Siri competitor was created by Google, the application will be useful for those who have a business account in Google Apps, since the corporate scheduling and calendar management capabilities work in conjunction with Google Now.
Google Now is supported on iOS, Android, and Chrome browser. So for universal work, a browser on your own will be enough desktop computer and a smartphone (or tablet) based on one of 2 popular mobile OSs.
Calendars 5
Powerful task manager and organizer of meetings and calendars. It is distinguished by its support for ordinary human speech: you simply dictate in your usual manner (though in English language) - and you get a calendar filled with events and plans. This method of typing is definitely faster than manually.
Setting up this application is also quite simple.
Meeting Assistant
This voice assistant is suitable for those for whom business tasks and organizing notes come first. There is also a detailed meeting planner here.
The interface of this application is reminiscent of a good old spring notepad, which has a main calendar and appointments attached to specific times and dates. You can also leave notes and comments linked to social networks.
Mynd
And completing our list is an alternative iPhone assistant called Mynd with a tiled interface and reminders right on the home screen. Not only can it create tasks, calendar entries and manage applications, but it also adapts to your habits and provides you with contextual information based on your current location.
Since the appearance on devices with the apple logo Siri app, many developers are haunted by the idea of creating Siri on Android. This application is really very useful and in demand among users. Millions of people no longer imagine how to cope without such an assistant. The program can answer any question, remind you of an important meeting, or send an important message at the appointed time. And this is not the entire list of its capabilities.
Some assistants for Android devices are poorly thought out, while others have very impressive capabilities. Given the many nuances, it is necessary to consider each application and find out their features.
Assistant
Perhaps this is the most successful analogue of Siri. This program has all the necessary functions. At the same time, the assistant does not freeze and works very smoothly, which indicates good optimization. The program's interface is quite simple, but the list of features is simply amazing.
The assistant will always remind you of important events, tell you about the weather, inform you about exchange rates, send necessary messages and do a lot of other things, saving the user’s time. A special feature of the application is pleasant jokes during a conversation, this creates a special atmosphere and lifts your spirits.
- wide range of possibilities;
- well-designed interface;
- high speed;
- the ability to choose a voice, as well as the name of the assistant.
The full version of this utility is paid. Can be used free version, but it lacks some functions.
EVA Free - Voice Assistant
Another Siri prototype for the Android system. Has a more modest set of functions compared to previous application. This utility cope with reading and sending messages, including voice messages. If necessary, he will take notes and will not allow you to forget about important matters. At first glance, everything is very good, but there are two significant drawbacks:
- After the trial period ends, you will have to purchase the full version.
- The program does not always correctly understand the Russian language.
Dragon Mobile Assistant
This application does not cause any particular complaints, except for the most important thing: the lack of Russian language. As for the functionality, it is implemented in high level. The application can easily handle receiving and sending messages Email, SMS or social networks. The user will never forget to congratulate colleagues on their birthday or miss a business meeting. In addition, the assistant will find all the necessary information on the Internet and will also keep you up to date with the latest events.
Assistant Dusya
This application is from Russian developers, which has a number of characteristic differences and features. Immediately after its appearance, this utility won a large audience. First of all, this is due to the fact that the program is entirely in Russian.
The application can work offline. This feature is both a plus and a minus. Naturally, without an Internet connection, the application's capabilities are limited. Among the main features of the Dusi assistant are: dialing a phone number, typing text and sending SMS by voice, managing navigation, searching for transport, notes, searching for a location, working with VKontakte, creating notes, translating texts, managing settings, the ability to create your own functions and much more other.
Robin
Russian-speaking assistant with a good sense of humor. Main feature Robin's ability to tell jokes is great. Therefore, the application can be called not only useful, but also very positive.
The program has a limited number of features, but they are quite sufficient to perform the most popular tasks. Robin can make calls, send messages, check the weather and much more. At the same time, the utility has quite low system requirements and does not take up much space in the smartphone’s memory.
All of these applications are available in the official play market; the installation process will not take much time and will not cause problems. As for setting up assistants, in most cases it comes down only to choosing the most pleasant voice. Therefore, you should definitely try to install one of the proposed options and, perhaps, an analogue of Siri for your Android device will become your indispensable assistant for every day.
In 2011, Apple made a new revolution - their smartphone spoke. The appearance of Siri marked a new era of gadget control. People were able to contact their gadgets like a person, asking them for important (and not so important) information. Weather, reminders and the latest mail can now be found without moving from application to application. Naturally, other technology companies and smartphone manufacturers could not stand aside and decided to show similar solutions, to varying degrees better or worse than Siri. In this article we’ll talk about the best Siri analogues for Android, how far progress has been made and what these analogues are capable of.
Google Now
Despite the fact that Google Now is different from others voice assistants, it is still considered an analogue of Siri for Android. Google Now is an artificial intelligence that lives in your phone, knowing everything about your interests, activities, upcoming flights and calendar events. In addition to the secretary function, Google Now does an excellent job of searching for information on the Web. The OK Google team has already become a cult favorite and helps millions of people find answers to their questions every day. Google Now can collect your search queries and display relevant information based on them. For example, you were recently looking for tickets to a match of your favorite team. In this case, Google Now will start sending you cards with information about the upcoming game, the team's other games, and their progress in the tournament.
Google Assistant
"Assistant" is new stage development of Google Now. This is Siri for Android at its best. The assistant is not just smarter than its predecessor, but also much more functional. You can use it to create reminders, calendar events, and send messages. Want to hit rock on the way to work? Ask the “Assistant” to play you the TOP best tracks in the genre and he will create the perfect playlist for you.
Don't understand what the word is written on the sign? Ask the “Assistant” to translate it into your language, because he is an excellent linguist and knows more than 100 languages.
Is this not enough? The "Assistant" will help you communicate in instant messengers, choosing words, dates and contact information for you when asked. And the “Assistant” can joke, tell a story, or give advice on where it’s best to put the cabinet.
Cortana
Microsoft has recently become famous for its endless (and unsuccessful) attempts to catch up with its opponents, introducing similar functions into its devices and competitors' gadgets. Microsoft did not hesitate to make some kind of analogue of Siri for Android. Her name is Cortana (this is a reference to one of the characters in the game Halo). In fact, this assistant is almost no different from its competitors. Microsoft made an attempt to sit on two chairs at once, therefore the interface has smart cards that adapt to a specific user, and a humane interlocutor, creating a feeling of live communication.
In fact, the assistant is not very smart; she will have to provide almost all the information manually. She is unlikely to ever find out your interests and desires, if only because for this you need to use Microsoft services and no others. On the other hand, if you spend some time with Cortana and teach it, it begins to send very useful notifications, for example, showing inexpensive restaurants near you, the latest movies showing in cinemas in your city. Cortana will also remind you of your shopping list when you approach a store or show you the weather forecast for the coming week.
Bixby
The one who really should have copied the ideas of competitors a long time ago was Samsung. In 2017, together with the Galaxy S8, Korean engineers showed us their own developments in the field of artificial intelligence, which they called unusual name Bixby. Interestingly, Bixby is not just an analogue of Siri for Android. This is a whole complex of self-learning services, ready to give hints throughout the day and find useful information. The functionality isn't much different from Google Assistant and Siri itself, so let's talk about the important differences.
First, Bixby understands context and has cognitive tolerance. That is, if you asked him who Marlon Brando was, and then what films he starred in, without mentioning his name, then Bixby, after analyzing your dialogue, will understand who you are talking about. Secondly, Bixby can search for information from the camera. This means that you just need to point it at some thing or object - and Bixby will immediately tell you everything the Internet knows about it.
"Yandex. Alice"
Well, the last analogue of “Siri” for “Android” in Russian is “Alice”. Yandex had long been developing the idea of artificial intelligence and speech recognition, so it was clear that sooner or later such a project would see the light of day. Alice can do everything that other assistants can, but at the same time she is adapted to the Russian market and searches for information in Yandex services. Alice, like Bixby, understands context, but only in some topics. In most cases, she can only answer one question. Alice can sing a song for you or make a funny joke if you get bored, or she can search for important information in Wikipedia without forcing you to go to the search and the article itself. There were some mistakes in pronunciation, but taking into account the fact that Yandex is still a domestic company, you can be sure that all the shortcomings will be quickly corrected.