Bob Larson
Have you heard of Alexa, Cortana, Google Assistant, or Siri? They are interactive audio services provided by Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Apple for their online products that provide answers when asked a question or inquiry of some type. In a recent study completed by Temple Source in 2017 and 2018, Google Assistant at home was the winner, followed by Google mobile, Cortana, Alexa, and Siri.
For accuracy in answering questions, the only assistant that increased its accuracy year over year was Microsoft’s Cortana from 86.0% to 92.1% of questions answered correctly.
Regardless, all these artificial intelligence services can provide a valuable service for home or mobile users. Examples include appointment reminders, medication reminders, birthday reminders, switch on or dim home lights or appliances via third party devices, tv program reminders, traffic or weather updates, tell jokes, play music, etc.
Siri is pushing into the home, car, and even your health, but only works on Apple devices. However, Google works on Android, iPhones and PCs. Cortana is tied to its Windows 10 computers, but will also be available on Android and Apple iOS platforms. Amazon’s Alexa will work with other hardware sold through Amazon.
Available soon are tablet looking displays by multiple vendors that work with these services too. If you prefer to type in your answer or see the answer on a tablet sized screen, this option may be for you.
The auto and truck manufacturers will be adding these products or smartphone interfaces to their vehicles in 2018 models such as Toyota and Lexus followed by Ford, Volvo, and VW. Of course, all major auto manufacturers will include these products/services in their mid to top tier vehicles.
~ Bob Larson is a technologist and Marketing Director for 50 Plus