Siri and Google Now tend to treat each request as new (though asking Siri "Which are the good ones?" will re-sort them by rating rather than distance), though both will let you make reservations through OpenTable. Cortana responded with the Mexican restaurants that are both open and have at least four stars on Yelp. Photograph: AP Photograph: APĪfter asking Cortana for Mexican restaurants, I asked for ones that are open and got my list narrowed. But Google Now also assumes that just because I search for a company once, I want its stock quote every day.Ĭortana shows you game scores - but might forget what you asked. I didn't have to do anything with Google Now. After asking Cortana about the latest Mets game, I had to tap a link to get future updates automatically. Also, Google Now works only with Gmail, while Cortana works with all major services except Yahoo, which Microsoft says it couldn't track because of Yahoo's terms of service.Īlthough Cortana avoids mistakes by asking, she requires slightly more work on your part. Google Now does that automatically, and erroneously picks up itineraries that your travel companions send you.
Unlike Google Now, Cortana asks whether you'd like that flight tracked. You can tap an icon on the top right to pull down a notebook and change your preferences.Ĭortana also offers to scan your email for flights and other events to remind you about. When you first use Cortana, she guides you through a brief questionnaire to gauge your interests.
Siri voice assistant android#
Cortana will also identify the name of songs heard in a retail store or bar, while you need separate apps such as SoundHound or Shazam on other phones (though the iPhone and iPad versions of Shazam can listen continuously in the background that isn't yet in the Android version.) That feature is separate on iPhones (though you can turn on Do Not Disturb, as it's called, via Siri or directly from its "Control Centre") and Samsung's Android phones. Google Now on Android phones is boring by comparison, but better at anticipating your needs and giving you information before you even ask.Ĭortana combines Siri's personality with Google Now's knack for anticipation.Ĭortana also incorporates a feature for blocking calls, texts and notifications during times of your choosing, while letting you set exceptions for specific people or emergencies - defined as someone trying to call again within three minutes. She has good comebacks for such questions as, "What is the meaning of life?" She's also helpful with directions, restaurant recommendations and appointment reminders.
I was able to test that version over the past week.Īpple's Siri virtual assistant on iPhones and iPads has a feisty personality.
Siri voice assistant software#
On Monday, Microsoft made a preview version available to software developers.
Siri voice assistant for free#
The update, including Cortana, will come with new phones starting next month, while existing phones will be able to download it for free in the coming months. The new Windows system, Windows Phone 8.1, has several other new features, which I'll review separately later this week. The result is Cortana, named after an artificial intelligence character in Microsoft's "Halo" video games. Microsoft takes some of the best parts of Apple's and Google's virtual assistants and adds a few useful tools of its own. With the new Cortana virtual assistant, Windows catches up with Apple's iOS and Google's Android in a major way. And thanks for making the Windows phone software better, Microsoft.
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