In order to use virtual assistants, it is necessary to have a mobile device. Listed below are the software and hardware needed to make your life simpler.
Software
Google Now
- Google Now is a mobile application that can be downloaded to your mobile device.
- Once the app is downloaded, log-in to your Google Account.
- For the Android, it is available for download on Google Play.
- This app is only compatible with Androids programmed with Jelly Bean 4.1 or higher.
- For the iPhone and iPad, it is available for download on the App Store.
- Google Now becomes better the more you use it.
- Recommendations:
- Input your home address and work address for better searches, traffic updates, weather, etc.
- Always allow Google to access your current location.
- Issues:
- You may encounter issues using Google Now in loud settings.
- Speak clearly at all times for the best results.
- Again, the more you use it, the better it becomes. You will not get the full experience if you rarely use Google searches.
Apple's Siri
- Siri is built into the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, the iPad, the iPad mini and the iPod Touch (5th generation).
- Siri can only be used on Apple products. It is not an application that can be used or downloaded on other devices.
- Siri becomes better the more you use it.
- Recommendations:
- Personalize your experience with Siri. Tell her your name, your relationships with certain contacts and specific things you want her to know.
- Issues:
- You may encounter issues using Siri in loud settings.
- Speak clearly at all times for the best results.
- Siri cannot always answer questions. The more specific your question is, the more difficult it may be. She does redirect you to web searches if she cannot answer your question.
Hardware
- Siri is available on the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, the iPad, the iPad mini and the iPod Touch (5th generation).
The iPhone and the iPad
