Virtual assistants are becoming so commonplace in a world where people are growing more reliant on technology that many people often don’t notice they are there. There are numerous areas where assistants are found: on phones, there is a specific Apple and Google Android assistant, on smart speakers, laptops, televisions, and others like x.ai that helps people via email.
Some virtual assistants are only available on certain platforms. For instance, Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, can only be found on iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products. The Google and Android assistant, Google Assistant, has opened up their product to a variety of platforms so almost anyone can utilize the virtual assistant. While the Google Assistant is the go-to virtual helper for Android mobile users, many people don’t know that there are a host of other assistants that can be downloaded via apps. Here we review and rank the top 5 virtual assistants available on Android devices.
5. AIVC (Alice) For Android
AIVC, which stands for Artificial Intelligent Voice Control, responds to Alice and is an independently created virtual assistant app. The app developers note that Alice can do many things that other virtual assistants can do, like send messages or emails, start timers, or check calendars. It doesn’t bring anything new to the table that Google Assistant can’t already do, but it is simple in its design. Additionally, many users complain that it is buggy and does not understand their voice or crashes when given some commands. The app is free but comes with ads that can be removed for a fee.
4. Jarvis Android Assistant
Jarvis (named from Iron Man) is a fairly good virtual assistant as it comes with widgets that can be used on a locked Android screen. It is great for users who want to perform slightly more complicated tasks like adding information to calendars or pulling up information within other apps. The main drawback is that it uses ads within the app that can be removed for a fee. While not a bad virtual assistant, there are others on the market that are better.
3. Lyra Android Assistant
Lyra is a simpler app that is independent from the major virtual assistant developers like Google and Amazon. Initially released in 2013 under the name Indigo, Lyra’s major draw is in its simplicity and aesthetic appeal. The app is best used for individual’s who are new to using virtual assistants and those that do not want anything too complicated. Unlike some other third-party virtual assistant developers, Lyra does not have ads or “pro” versions of the app.
2. Cortana For Android
Cortana is Microsoft’s virtual assistant and is found primarily on Microsoft’s laptop computers with Windows 10. The assistant was initially released for Microsoft products in 2014. It wasn’t until early 2018 that Microsoft released an app version so individuals with iPhones and Android phones could utilize it.
Cortana is one of the well-known virtual assistants that includes Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa. The assistant is capable of doing most things requested of it like check the weather, track packages, and look up restaurant reviews. The app is highly rated on Google Play, although it is not clear if people are using it with Google Assistant or instead of the app. A plus of Cortana is the ability to hold down the home button on the Android phone to call up the assistant (rather than Google Assistant). One complaint is that it can’t be called upon with voice commands like “Hey Cortana”.
1. Google Android Assistant
While there are numerous developers that have attempted to replace or augment the role of the original virtual assistant on Android phones, Google Assistant is often the best assistant available. The assistant is already integrated into Android phones so users can say “Hey Google…” across the room. While most other virtual assistants can perform similar tasks to Google Assistant, it’s advantage is in synchronizing across other devices. This assistant can talk to the Google Home smart speaker, be called upon to turn on a smart television, or dim smart light bulbs. Additionally, the app is available in multiple languages and is constantly evolving to better adapt to user’s needs.