"Siri, do some research on what virtual assistants are."
Executing a command, such as doing an internet search, is one of the tasks of a virtual assistant. This technological resource is used in computers, cell phones and electronic devices as a way of transforming written or voice requests into automatic actions.
And you know these virtual assistants! Amazon's Alexa, Microsoft's Cortana and Apple's Siri are just a few available on the market today.
But do you really know this technology and its limitations? In this article, we'll introduce you to the most popular virtual assistants on the market, what the difference is between them and generative artificial intelligence, and give you tips on how to use them.
What are Virtual Assistants?
A virtual assistant is software designed to execute voice or written commands.
This development is based on resources such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.. In this way, virtual assistants learn to understand voice patterns, the way words are spoken, and deliver the best result for the command.
Virtual Assistants and the Internet of Things (IoT)
In addition to computers and cell phones, virtual assistants are also connected to other household electronic devices such as lamps, refrigerators and televisions.
This is possible because these devices are now integrated with the internet. This integration is what we call Internet of Things (IoT). In other words, objects now have a Wi-Fi connection and can be used remotely, including by virtual assistants.
A good example is Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant. When you get home, you can say the command: "Alexa, turn on the light". Soon the lights in the room come on without you having to press the switch.
Virtual Assistants available on the market
Virtual assistant technology is nothing new. Since 2011, with the launch of Siri by Apple, this technology has developed and gained new ground in users' homes. Three of these virtual assistants are worth highlighting.
Amazon's Alexa
Alexa was launched in 2014 as "Amazon's voice-controlled artificial intelligence (...) Alexa can play your favorite music, read the latest news, dim the living room lamps and much more."
In addition to the virtual assistant, Amazon has also launched the Echo, which are electronic devices that can be positioned in the home. When you give them a command, they execute it.
Microsoft's Cortana
Also in 2014, Microsoft launched Cortana, a virtual assistant for computers and cell phones. On Microsoft websiteit is described as a productivity assistant, "that will help you save time and focus on what's most important".
Apple's Siri
The first virtual assistant launched was Apple's Siri in 2011. The technology was simpler then, but is now capable of doing complex tasks using voice commands.
The virtual assistant is integrated with Apple devices in a home, and can be used simultaneously.
Virtual Assistant or Generative Artificial Intelligence?
O ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligences are currently in the spotlight for their ability to produce text, images and videos. However, this feature is different from a virtual assistant.
Generative AI can:
- Create text content from a command;
- Producing images from a visual reference;
- Generate or modify elements in an image;
- Change elements in videos.
On the other hand, the virtual assistant doesn't have this capability. It can't produce a text like Chat GPT, or an image like DALL-E 2.
Virtual assistants can:
- Turn on the lights in the house;
- Do an internet search;
- Create to-do lists;
- Play a song in an application;
- Send text messages;
- Locking the doors of a house.
It's important to understand the difference between the two because the purpose of each is different. While the virtual assistant aims to simplify domestic tasks, the Generative AI aims to produce content.
Chatbot or Virtual Assistant?
Another difference that deserves attention is between chatbot and virtual assistant.
Although both are technologies that use conversational features, the chatbot is used in a business context as a way of helping customers perform a task. On a company's website, a chatbot can be used as a way of serving customers, directing support requests or giving instructions.
Chatbots are predominantly controlled by written messages, covering messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram etc. A clear example of this is JivoChat, which goes beyond being just an online chat service.
It acts as a comprehensive CRM, integrating service from various online channels in an intuitive and easy-to-manage environment. As well as providing information to website visitors, it excels at customer retention, boosting conversion rates and contributing to customer success at every stage.
While virtual assistants work on the basis of voice commands, such as Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, etc. These assistants, unlike chatbots, are designed to offer more natural and personalized interactions, responding to voice commands and performing a variety of tasks based on the user's needs.
Why Virtual Assistants are Necessary
In this article we've talked about the tasks that virtual assistants can perform, but we haven't yet addressed the need for this technology in society. There are two points worth highlighting when talking about the importance of this technology.
Support for People with Disabilities
People with disabilities (PWD) can use virtual assistants as a way of increasing their autonomy and performing tasks that previously seemed challenging.
For example, a person with a motor disability can easily turn off the lights. Similarly, a visually impaired person can make calls with just a voice command.
Calls for help
People of all ages can use virtual assistants as a way of getting help in dangerous situations.
In England, a four-year-old girl sought help while her mother convulsed. The little girl used Alexa to call her father and explain the situation. The father was able to instruct his daughter during the episode and trigger the help his wife needed.
This type of technology, which makes it simple to integrate people with telephones and other means of communication, is a great advantage.
Conclusion
"Alexa, recall the topics I learned from that article."
Now you know what virtual assistants are, how they differ from generative AI or chatbots and how important they are for society. Alexa, Cortana, Siri and many others are technological innovations that open doors to a more connected, simple and inclusive life.
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