Definition of Virtual Assistant

We can no longer only speak to our mobile, but we can also order and ask you things in natural language, that is, as we would do with another person.

The programs in charge of receiving our requests and giving them action are called virtual assistant, the first was Apple's Siri but others have followed, overflowing outside the smartphones

A virtual assistant consists of a program whose user interface is the recognition and processing of the user's voice, so that the wizard "understands" what the user is requesting and executes the action, as long as it is within its possibilities

Typically, virtual assistants are used to search Internet, dictating voice search.

They can also be used for other simple tasks for a human being, but still complicated to carry out by an intelligent computer system, such as writing messages from email using voice recognition and send them, add appointments to the calendar, or notes as a reminder.

Most of these systems are based on local applications but they will look for most of the "

intelligence”From the system to the cloud. The local part is in charge of capturing the voice, while the whole part of the "understanding" of what the Username is done in the cloud, as well as the response.

Siri

Apple was the first to adopt one of these systems, in this case for its operating system iOS mobile. In the last presentation, the apple company announced its leap to Mac OS X, its software platform for computer desktop.

Google Now

Being also the name of a launcher For the Android operating system, it is a simple assistant, whose task is, above all, to carry out online searches.

Cortana

Microsoft's virtual assistant was initially introduced for Windows on smartphones, but it quickly made the jump to Windows 10 in desktop environment, being the first voice-guided virtual assistant to make its appearance in an operating system for desktop computers. desk.

Amazon Echo

Amazon's bet is closer in time, and can be enjoyed as a demonstration through any browser Web. It comes with a specific hardware marketed by the North American bookstore.

Google Assistant

It is the technology that evolves from Google Now and takes it one step further, based not only on the solution software, but also hardware specifications so that third parties can make compatible devices.

The new Google Assistant was unveiled at the 2016 Google I / O (developer conference).

Future

The future role of virtual assistants is to evolve, becoming one of the most used interfaces not only on smartphones, but on any personal electronic device.

Photos: Fotolia - rudall30 / necla bayraktar

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