The Rise of the Virtual Assistant: The New Era in Personal Technology Is Here

Smart speakers and digital assistants are transforming our lives in subtle and useful ways.

With all the artificial intelligence (AI) out there, the term virtual assistant can feel… robotic. And it is, to a certain extent. But increasingly, we see these assistants as quirky companions who seem to know everything and can help us in many ways.

Here's what virtual assistants are and how they work.

What is a virtual assistant?

Essentially, a virtual assistant is just a software program that helps perform tasks or manage information that are normally handled by humans.

Also known as digital assistants, these smart tools can be activated by voice. Examples include Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa, but many companies are coming up with their own versions.

Through a combination of specialized computer chips, microphones, and software, virtual assistants can perform a variety of functions, including answering questions, scheduling appointments, sending reminders, making recommendations, or controlling smart devices.

As artificial intelligence improves, its uses and functionality will continue to grow.

The most popular virtual assistants today

There are four main and most popular virtual assistants on the market today, including:

• Alexa
• Bixby
• Google Assistant
• Siri

Virtual assistants can handle a wide range of tasks, from answering questions and telling jokes to playing music and controlling smart devices like smart light bulbs, thermostats, and door locks. They respond to voice commands, send text messages, make phone calls, and set reminders, making it easy to hand off many tasks from your phone to your assistant.

Over time, virtual assistants learn your habits and preferences, becoming more and more intuitive. With the power of artificial intelligence ( AI ), they can understand natural language, recognize faces, identify objects, and communicate seamlessly with other smart devices and software.

As digital assistants become more advanced, their role in our lives will only increase. If you don't already use one, chances are you will soon. The Amazon Echo and Google Nest/Home are currently the top choices for smart speakers.

How virtual assistants work

Virtual assistants are passive listening devices that respond when they recognize commands or greetings (such as "Hey Google").

Assistants need to be connected to the internet to be able to perform web searches and find answers or communicate with other smart devices. However, because they are passive listening devices, they often require a wake word or command to activate.

When you communicate with a virtual assistant by voice, you activate the assistant and ask questions without stopping.

For example, “Hey Siri, what’s the score of the Eagles game?” If the digital assistant doesn’t understand your command or can’t find the answer, it’ll let you know.

You can try again by rephrasing the question or speaking louder or slower. In some cases, there may be some back-and-forth, such as when using an Uber. You may be asked to provide additional information about your location or destination.

Different devices may require you to press and hold a button, but voice commands are generally the standard. Alexa devices like the Echo Show, which offer a video display, can be accessed by both voice and touch.

How to use virtual assistant

In most cases, you need to "wake up" your virtual assistant by saying "Hey Siri", "OK Google" or "Alexa" depending on the device name.

Most virtual assistants are smart enough to understand natural language, but you have to be specific. For example, if you connect your Amazon Echo to the Uber app, Alexa can call a ride, but you have to phrase the command exactly. You have to say, "Alexa, ask Uber to request a ride."

Typically, you need to talk to your virtual assistant because it listens for voice commands. Some can respond to commands typed from a smartphone or desktop app linked to the assistant.

For example, from your iPhone, you can type a question or command to Siri instead of speaking it. Siri can also respond by text instead of voice if you prefer.

Similarly, Google Assistant can respond to entered voice or text commands when the user is working with an Android device.

On your smartphone, you can use a virtual assistant to adjust settings or complete tasks like sending a text message, making a phone call, or playing a song.

When using a smart speaker, you can often control other smart devices in your home through your voice, such as setting the thermostat, adjusting the lights, or accessing your security system.