Top AI Personal Assistants

An AI assistant can be described as a software application that leverages artificial intelligence to accomplish designated tasks and offer information. It applies deep natural language processing in understanding user input provided in the freedom of either text or voice in order to get coherent and conversational answers.

AI assistants, sometimes also referred to as virtual assistants, act as a type of middleman between people and their technology; they are meant to help optimize one’s routine and build productivity. Emerging, powerful generative AI technologies are proving to enable such tools across domains that help play a role in managing meetings to overseeing personal finances.

Here are some of the Top 5 Personal AI assistant with updated names and features in 2024:

1. Apple Intelligence (Siri)

Apple Intelligence houses a new Siri. The original Siri, launched by Apple in 2011, is widely considered to be the very first AI personal assistant to hit the market. At this point, all Apple products are equipped with it, including iPhones, iPads, AirPods and MacBooks. Siri relies on voice recognition to respond to questions, make recommendations, send text messages and more. It is also highly personalizable, adapting to a user’s language, searches and preferences over time.

Siri Key Features:

Voice-based, activated by the command “Hey, Siri.”
Performs various tasks, including identifying songs, adding events to calendars and providing driving directions.
Available for free, and is often preloaded on Apple devices.

NOTE: Apple Intelligence is currently in beta. It will be available for the following devices:

iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro
iPad Pro (M1 and later)
iPad Air (M1 and later)
MacBook Air (M1 and later)
MacBook Pro (M1 and later)
iMac (M1 and later)
Mac mini (M1 and later)
Mac Studio (M1 Max and later)
Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)

2. Google Gemini

Gemini by Google is the new AI generation, expected to give the assistant advanced capabilities: an email and draft document creating feature, complex question answering, personal tutoring, or programming assistance.

Google Gemini Key Features:

Compatible with thousands of smart home devices across about 1,000 brands.
Integrated with Google Apps and services like Google Workspace and YouTube.
Users can initiate tasks with both text and voice commands and also upload images.
Available for free, and is often preloaded on Android smartphones.

3.Galaxy AI (Bixby)

Galaxy AI is the new advancement of Bixby, Samsung’s AI personal assistant, that used to run on all its smartphones and some of its other smart devices, including refrigerators.

Galaxy AI is Samsung’s advanced artificial intelligence system designed to enhance the capabilities of its devices.

It represents a significant leap forward in integrating AI directly into smartphones and other devices, rather than relying solely on external AI services or apps.
Bixby is voice-based and can be used for various tasks including texting, retrieving location-specific weather reports and reading news articles. It also learns, evolves and adapts to users’ behaviours and preferences over time.

While Bixby is primarily a virtual assistant with limited capabilities, Galaxy AI is a broader AI platform that powers various features across Samsung devices. It’s expected to replace Bixby as the primary AI interface eventually.

Bixby Key Features:

Works with all Samsung smartphones and some Samsung branded appliances, including refrigerators.
Voice-based, activated by the command “Hi, Bixby.”
Available for free, and is often preloaded on Samsung products.

Galaxy AI Features:

Enhanced User Experience: Galaxy AI provides personalized recommendations and suggestions by understanding user behaviour and preferences.
Live Translate: Live Translate is an innovative AI tool that changes words from one language to another as you speak or text.
Transcript Assist: The Transcribe Assist feature enables users to record speech and create a transcription of what was said.

4. Alexa

Since its debut in 2014, Amazon’s Alexa has become widely recognized. This voice-activated AI personal assistant is integrated into numerous Amazon smart devices, enabling users to set up to-do lists, stream music, purchase items from Amazon, and more — simply by saying the wake word, “Alexa.” Amazon is currently developing a generative AI update for its personal assistant, aiming to enhance its conversational abilities and reduce its transactional feel.

Alexa Key Features:

It works with compatible smart home devices to control things like thermostats, televisions, and even cars.
Used mainly through Amazon’s line of hands-free speakers called Amazon Echo.
Available for free, and is often preloaded on Amazon products.

5. Grammarly

Grammarly provides an AI-powered writing assistant that integrates with various platforms such as social media, email, and messaging apps. It is designed to assist users with tone, style, and the correction of spelling and grammatical errors. The company’s goal is for its users to surmount writer’s block, enhance their writing abilities, bring clarity to their documents, and refine their emails using its service.

Grammarly Key Features:

Works with Google and Microsoft Suites, including within emails and documents
Grammarly’s AI automatically applies.
Available for free and can be added to Chrome as a plug-in.