Many companies have created Siri alternatives for people who are off the Apple train (and aren’t planning on getting on board anytime soon). Here are eight current options, with their best features outlined.
- Google Now
What does Google Now do? Well, a lot of things, it seems. It DJs, identifies songs, performs calculations, will Google anything, and keeps drivers up to date on traffic. It can even tell you where you parked if you’re having a panicky I-have-no-idea-where-my-car-is moment. Some people believe that Google Now is a more proactive version of Siri. As it gathers user data from your Android, it will begin to come up with suggestions based on your search history — it gets to know you in a way that Siri does not. For example, if you’ve looked up an item recently and you walk by a store that carries it, Google Now will let you know.
Read More: Four Calendar Apps to Replace Your Planner
- Cortana
The coolest thing about Cortana, and what makes it different, is that it can work across platforms (meaning it is transferrable between an Android phone and a Windows computer or tablet).
Otherwise, it seems that Cortana operates much like Siri — a voice-activated system that can tap into other services within the phone, like Google, Spotify, alarms, and calendars.
- Jarvis
Jarvis is has pretty standard features, but with a cool male British voice to help you along instead of a robotic American female one.
- Maluuba
The best part of Maluuba is that it is free. Maluuba appears to be a pretty basic alternative to Siri. You connect your Google account and voilà! It is a personal assistant designed to help you navigate the web, play music, set reminders, and all of the other good things that Siri does.
- Robin
Robin, unlike most Android versions of Siri, brings in the attitude that characterizes Apple’s product. In other words, Robin talks back. She is a sassy assistant, if that’s what you’re looking for. Oh, and it’s also free!
- Assistant.ai
Another humorous option — like Robin, a robot with some personality. And, like Google Now, Assistant.ai makes suggestions for you based on your preferences and history.
- Smart Voice Assistant
Customizable. Ooh. Aah. Meaning you can choose what features your voice activation has control over. Otherwise pretty standard, it seems.
- Dragon Mobile Assistant
A basic alternative to Siri. Responds when you say “Hello, Dragon” instead of “Hey, Siri.” Also customizable to meet your preferences and needs.
There are a few more alternatives out there, but these cover the bases with a wide range of feature options. Which one you choose is really up to your own preferences. Siri is certainly not the best personal assistant out there, and Android users are lucky to have so many options to choose from.
PSafe NewsroomThe dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.