Pranjali Petkar

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AI assistants have gained increasing popularity with its growing market.

The rising demand for digital assistants has further pushed the competitive landscape to constantly innovate.

These companies are aiming to replace secretaries and personal assistants to perform tasks effectively.

Companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Samsung are top players in the industry.

Top AI virtual assistants for 2021 are Siri, Cortana, Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby, DataBot, Lyra, Hound, Youper, and Robin.

Increasing popularity has pushed the AI virtual assistant technology towards rapid innovation and development. As companies and employees struggle to effectively work from home, tech companies are working towards a multitude of changes in AI voice assistants.

AI applications can enable you to simply interact with your friends on smartphones to interact with speakers that can set your calendars to search for a long-forgotten song. In both cases, AI has provided a contribution to making life a little simpler. Many people still do not realize that they are surrounded by AI. While most people live without its acknowledgment some are extensively getting engrossed in it.

In its Digital Assistant and Voice AI-Capable Device Forecast for 2016 to 2021, research and consulting firm Ovum claims, by 2021, the native digital assistant base globally is set to exceed 7.5 billion active devices. By 2021, around 47.6% of voice AI-capable devices are expected to be used in Asia and Oceania.

The 2021 share is predicted to look as follows:

Google Assistant: 23.3 percent

Samsung’s Bixby: 14.5 percent

Apple’s Siri: 13.1 percent

Amazon’s Alexa: 3.9 percent

Microsoft’s Cortana: 2.3 percent

Companies are currently approaching digital assistants with a ‘know-it-all, do-it-all’ motto. They are aiming toward a highly personalized AI voice assistance that can bridge the gap between personal consumer data in a secure and non-creepy way that captures most of the opportunity.

Contents

1. What is an AI assistant?

2. Types of AI Assistants

3. Devices and Technologies of AI Virtual Assistant

4. AI Assistant Capabilities and Tasks

Best Artificial Intelligence Assistants in 2021:

Conclusion:

#1. Siri

#2. Cortana

#3. Google Assistant

#4. Alexa

#5. Bixby

#6. DataBot

#7. Lyra

#8. Hound

#9. Youper

#10. Robin

1. What is an AI assistant?

AI assistant or AI virtual assistant or digital assistant is a program that understands voice commands. It utilizes Natural language processing to understand and perform tasks given by users in natural language. Companies are working on replacing every human task with the machine through automation.

AI applications are aiming to replace secretaries and personal assistant that performed tasks such as reading text and taking dictation, finding phone numbers and placing calls, emailing schedules and meeting reminders, and others.

2. Types of AI Assistants

The term virtual assistant or virtual personal assistant is also used to describe contract workers who work from home doing administrative tasks typically performed by executive assistants or secretaries. Virtual assistants can also be contrasted with another type of consumer-facing AI programming, called smart advisers. Smart adviser programs are subject-oriented, while virtual assistants are task-oriented.

3. Devices and Technologies of AI Virtual Assistant

Typically, AI assistants are cloud-based programs that require an internet connection to work, for example, Siri, Google Assistant, and Cortana. The other one is dedicated to providing virtual assistance, for example, youper. A light indicated that the device is ready to take commands from the user. These commands are given in simple language and are simple requests such as “what is the weather today”.

AI voice assistants are powered by massive amounts of data. This data is similar to the data feed on AI platforms such as machine learning, speech recognition platforms, and NLP. Sophisticated algorithms are used for AI programming to learn from data input which constantly improved by predicting the end user’s needs.

4. AI Assistant Capabilities and Tasks

AI assistants are equipped with performing simple jobs 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.

Best Artificial Intelligence Assistants in 2021:

The landscape of AI-powered virtual assistance is highly competitive and reports indicate that it is facing stiff competition. Now that you are clear about the potential of AI, let’s review the 10 best AI apps for 2019.

#1. Siri

Apple’s Siri is one of the most famous AI personal assistants and has the most popular AI apps. She uses natural language user interface (UI) and voice queries to function. She can perform functions such as:

Make calls and send text messages

Answer questions and offer recommendations

Dictate location and read weather reports

Delegates requests to several Internet services and so much more

This assistant is available on some of the major Apple platforms:

1. IOS 2. macOS 3. iPadOS 4. tvOS 5. watchOS

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. According to the survey, around 44% of the smartphone users who actively used voice assistants are using Siri.

#2. Cortana

Microsoft’s Cortana is another widely popular AI assistant. 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. Functions performed by Cortana include:

Hands-free help

Answers questions

Provides reminders and keeps notes

Takes care of tasks

Helps in managing the calendar

Cortana learns to provide users more complex tasks by learning from device data. A similar report stated that the application was available on 400 million devices, which translates to a large user base. This AI virtual assistant is available on:

Windows mobile and 10

Microsoft Band and Mixed Reality (MR)

Invoke smart speaker

Android, iOS

Amazon Alexa

Xbox One, CloudX, and HyperX

Logitech G933

Razer Kraken 7.1 V2

Sennheiser GSP350

#3. Google Assistant

Google Assistant was launched in 2016, It is an AI voice assistant from Alphabet-owned Google. It’s one of the most advanced virtual assistants. Google Assistant uses natural language processing and supports text-based and voice-based entry. Its offers various functions and services:

Voice commands and searching

Voice-activated device control

Helping with tasks and finding information online

Sending reminders and making appointments

Translating in real-time

The company has taken up several partnerships with companies to make Google Assistant available on a wide range of devices. Today, Google AI can be found on:

1. Smartphones 2. Fridges 3. Headphones 4. Cars

Reportedly, in October 2018, Google has expanded the reach of Assistant and it works with 10,000 devices across 1,000 brands. Some of the devices also include iPhones and many more brands. Its active user base is increasing noticeably.

#4. Alexa

Alexa is an AI-powered virtual assistant from Amazon also commonly known as Amazon Alexa. She has become widely popular and was available on 60,000 devices as of May 2019 and 100 million devices as of April 2019. To perform several tasks, Alexa uses programs such as voice interaction, voice queries, natural language processing, and many others. She can perform tasks including:

Music playback and play audiobooks

Create to-do lists

Set up alarms

Stream podcasts

Real-time information on weather

Real-time information on traffic

Real-time information on news and sports

Also, devices that are powered by Alexa allow the users to activate the devices with a wake-word while some require a push button. Alexa is available on various platforms including:

1. Android 2. iOS 3. Amazon Echo 4. Amazon Echo Dot smart speakers 5. PCs and Laptops

#5. Bixby

Bixby is an AI assistant by Samsung. She can carry out a full range of interactions and is contextually aware and takes the actions based on your requests. It is similar to other AI solutions such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa as it listens to your voice, interprets the information, and returns the resulting action. She can perform tasks including:

Tailored information on weather and news articles

Set meetings reminders

Makes calls and sends messages

Personalizes answers depending on who asks

Turn on the air conditioner

Switch off lights

Change the TV channel and wallpaper on command

Take selfie

Auto shares pictures on Facebook

 The assistant is designed to work across a range of Samsung products and is incorporated in numerous other devices. It is available on:

1. Samsung’s Family Hub fridge and TVs 2. Samsung Galaxy Home Bixby speaker 3. Samsung Galaxy S series 4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e 5. Samsung Galaxy Note Fan Edition 6. Samsung Galaxy A8 Star 7. Samsung Galaxy A series 8. Samsung Galaxy C8 9. Samsung Galaxy Watch

#6. DataBot

DataBot is an AI virtual assistant with a protocol droid design. It can answer voice requests on different interesting topics and addresses important topics. Other functions it can perform include:

Provides images, information, and multimedia presentations

Provide personalized information such as a personalized tutorial, spoken dialogue, and random topic

Presentations and identifications

Provides etymology, synonyms, and antonyms to specific questions

Identifies and searches

Calculate and monitor the health

Entertains with riddles, quotes, and jokes

Sets and updates shopping list, reminders, appointments, and alarm clock

Tells daily horoscope and latest news

Play music and funny sounds using voice commands

Share information using SMS, email, and social media

DataBot can also be customized, for instance, users can change language preference as it can be adaptable in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. It is available on:

1. Windows 10 2. Android phones and tablets 3. iOS, iPad, and iPod 4. Xbox One 5. Windows phones

#7. Lyra

Lyra is a cloud-based personal intelligent virtual assistant that allows intelligent communication. Its intelligence is capable of understanding multiple languages and context and intent. It can perform tasks including:

Controls music by voice

Find the best restaurant or bar

Carry out searches using Google, Wikipedia, Bing, Yahoo, Yelp, YouTube and others

Gives Direction and helps find locations on Google Maps

Translate texted from over 70 languages

Weather forecasts for any location

Connect with social media

App for Lyra AI assistant is supported on:

1. Android Smartphone and tablet 2. iOS smartphone, tablets, and laptops 3. Windows  smartphone, tablet, and computer

#8. 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. It can perform several tasks including:

Search information using natural voice

The follow-up to refine the results

Gives quick and accurate results

Makes phone call and send a text message

Provides information on news, weather information

Find nearby hotel

Check flight status

Helps navigate address

Calls Uber

Hound’s app is available on Android, Windows, and iOS devices.

#9. 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. It helps users with function including:

Control their emotional health

Have quick conversations

Guide through personalized meditations

It also provides a personalized experience to users by matching them with the right psychological techniques including cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness.

It is available for both Android and iOS platforms.

#10. 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. It can perform functions including:

Playing favorite audio content from podcasts and radio stations

Provides information of interests on NBA, celebs, history, politics, design, gourmet food

Auto-build playlist.

Supports commands such as calling and sending SMS

Find information about parking and traffic alerts

Update users in gas price

It is available for both Android and iOS platforms.

Conclusion:

Work from home has become a new norm but it hasn’t been easy for most of us. We are having meetings and attending conferences from the safety of our homes. According to the Clutch survey, 66% of the U.S. workers are currently working from home from 17% before the pandemic.

When asked if they would prefer working from home even after the pandemic, 39% of workers said that they would rather work in an office, while 40% said that they would rather work remotely. About 21% have no preference.

There are also several advantages of remote working which are encouraging more and more companies to permanently adopt this model. According to Gartner CFO Survey, 74% intend to shift employees to remote work permanently while nearly three in four CFOs plan to shift at least 5% of on-site employees to permanently remote positions post-COVID-19.

Remote working is providing several opportunities for both employees and companies. However, it is there are several issues which employees are facing.

Source

These problems affect the productivity as employees more and more time procrastinating.

So, here is a list of apps for working from home that can help you decrease your time procrastinating while increasing productivity.1. App to help you eliminate distractions

Freedom:

This is your first step in fighting procrastination. Social media notifications are one of the leading causes of distractions as these apps and websites are scientifically designed to keep you hooked. They can cost your ability to focus, productivity, and general well-being. Freedom blocks websites and apps to give you more control over your time and attention. The features of the app include:

Advanced scheduling for blocking

Customizable blocking options

Ability to sync your settings across devices

Option to save and annotate your session history

Unlimited Sessions & Devices

Freedom Pause Extension for breaking browsing habits

Freedom Insight Extension for time tracking

Freedom Limit Extension for Daily limits

This app provides both free trial and then paid subscription on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Artificial Intelligence:

Friend or Foe of Customer Service

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2. App to help you focus on your work

Pomodoro:

Pomodoro technique is a method for time management that was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. This technique breaks down work into intervals separated by short breaks. Pomodoro gives you a timer that cycle between periods of work and rests with a built-in way to manage all related tasks. The special features of this app are:

Design the todo list

Full workflow management

Ability to write, organizes, and schedule tasks

Access to work history and statistics

Generate timesheet reports

Source

The app has both free and premium versions that are available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

3. App to help you manage your time

Toggl:

Toggl is a time tracking app which helps you track how much time you’re really spending on tasks. The app was initially designed for remote workers with the idea of helping them make sure that they were billing accurately for projects. The key features of this app are:

Tracking individual and collective tasks

Pinpointing tasks that are taking more time

Issues that are slowing you

Designed team plans for businesses

Day-by-day breakdown on Toggl reports

A handy overview of time spent in the form of Charts

One-click time tracking

Works online and offline

Source

The app design also works cross-platform just about on every operating system and online to help you access it wherever and whenever you need it.

4. App to help you organize work

Google Drive:

As our personal and professional life clashes managing and keeping your document organized has become messy. Google Drive provides you with 15 GB of free storage where you can properly store and organize your files. The key features of this app are:

Auto-sync all files

Directly save from Chrome to Google Drive

Save Gmail Attachments

Convert PDFs to Docs

Easy Sharing with Others

Scan Documents

Work Offline

Upgrade to Google One from Drive

This app has both free and premium versions that are available for all devices including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Download Whitepapers Featured By Google

5. App to help you feel calm and motivated

Simple habits:

We are constantly dealing with stress with is ultimately giving rise to the more mental health problem. According to an American Psychological Association study in 2015 – stress in the U.S. continues to increase modestly, but extreme stress levels appear to be rising aggressively. Also, stress isn’t just for the aging population; but millennials are more extremely stressed than they historically were.

Simple habit helps you squeeze a little time to help you practice mindfulness and increase your concentration power. It helps you use guided meditation for stress and anxiety relief. The features of this app include:

Library of short meditation sessions

Different sessions for each stressful

5-minute mindfulness meditation plans

Different teachers and different techniques

Source

The app offers both free and premium versions that are available on any browser, Android, and iOS.

Conclusion:

In this blog, we have shared 5 apps that can help you bring more productivity while you work from home. You can find several alternatives for each tool in the market; however, it is important to follow steps as they can help you increase productivity and improve work-life balance.

Finding and eliminating the root cause of distraction.

Managing your time by equally dividing it into tasks and breaks.

Track how much time each task takes and eliminating unnecessary and repetitive tasks.

Organize your digital workplace to get a sense of control over everything.

Focus on improving your mental well-being.

These steps will help you be efficient in your day to day tasks too.