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AI Voice Assistants

People & Blogs

Introduction

Good evening, my name is Michael Guger, and this is my presentation about AI Voice Assistants.

What is an AI Voice Assistant?

For those of you wondering, an AI voice assistant is a type of electronic programming that listens and responds to voice commands given by users. They use what is called natural language processing (NLP for short), which helps them understand the commands they are given. Machine learning (ML) is used in order to make them more accurate over time. Every interaction helps them be more precise and efficient.

History of AI Voice Assistants

In 1961, IBM created the first AI voice assistant, which was called IBM Shoebox. It only understood 16 words and digits, with those digits being zero through nine. It was shaped like an American shoebox, hence the name. The first AI voice assistant led to the evolution of voicemail and other enhancements such as caller ID. Nowadays, you can simply tell an AI voice assistant to call any number in your contacts.

Pros of AI Voice Assistants

There are several pros associated with having an AI voice assistant:

  • Increased Hands-Free Activity: Making it easier to go about your daily routines without needing to use your hands.
  • Reminders and Timers: Useful for individuals who have short-term memory challenges.
  • Space-Saving: Most AI voice assistants are compact and do not take up much space.
  • Cost-Effective: Many are built into products you already own, such as phones, saving you money.
  • Versatility: They can perform multiple functions around the home, such as controlling lights and enhancing home security.

Cons of AI Voice Assistants

However, there are also some cons:

  • Expense: While many are integrated into phones, standalone AI voice assistants can be expensive.
  • Security Concerns: They hold valuable information, which can lead to privacy and security issues.
  • Technical Difficulties: Like all electronic products, they may encounter both software and hardware issues.

There are many types of AI voice assistants, but these four are the most well-known:

  1. Amazon Alexa
  2. Google Assistant
  3. Apple Siri
  4. Microsoft Cortana

Apple Siri

Siri was in development in the 1990s and was released in 2010 by Apple. It was the first voice recognition and natural language processing technology developed. It is considered one of the best AI voice assistants in the world. Siri can manage calendar dates, make phone calls, and even set up an Uber ride for you.

Amazon Alexa

The Amazon Alexa, first released in 2014 via the Amazon Echo, was Amazon's first line of products to feature Alexa. It can be used to set alarms, reminders, and manage calendars. Alexa is famous for its role in smart homes, controlling alarms, lights, and even compatible microwave ovens.

Google Assistant

Launched in May 2016, Google Assistant is not as well-known as Siri or Alexa but is used across millions of devices worldwide. It can also manage calendars, set alarms, and reminders.

Conclusion

Based on my research, AI voice assistants are an important part of technology today. They have made certain tasks easier and more accessible, which is always beneficial. As both the world and technology evolve, AI voice assistants will become only more significant.

References

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Thank you for joining my presentation.