Virtual assistants have progressed significantly from their modest origins as rudimentary chatbots in the 1960s. Nowadays, they play an integral role in our daily lives, assisting us with everything from setting reminders to controlling our smart homes.
In this piece, we will examine the history and evolution of virtual assistants, spanning their early beginnings to the advanced AI-powered systems of today.
Also known as digital assistants, virtual assistants are computer programs intended to help users by responding to inquiries and performing basic jobs.
A virtual assistant, also referred to as a digital assistant, is a software application that comprehends natural language voice instructions and undertakes tasks on behalf of the user. You can employ it to set reminders, send messages, make calls, and more. It harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to deliver personalized support.
What is an AI assistant (virtual assistant)?
A virtual assistant, also referred to as an AI assistant or digital assistant, is a computer program that can understand spoken language instructions and complete jobs for the user.
These jobs – traditionally done by a human personal assistant or secretary – involve taking down dictation, reading text or emails out loud, searching for phone numbers, scheduling appointments, making phone calls, and reminding the user about upcoming appointments. Well-known virtual assistants are Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
The evolution of digital assistants throughout history
Digital assistants have become popular in recent times through products like Google Home and Apple’s Siri, though their origins date back before Siri’s launch in 2011.
You could say Microsoft Bob, introduced in 1995, was the first digital assistant. Microsoft created it to provide a more user-friendly interface across Windows. Bob used screens resembling rooms in a house that users could “enter” to access different applications. The intent behind Bob was good – make navigation simpler for users. Unfortunately, it failed to gain wide adoption and was discontinued just a year after release.
Undeterred, Microsoft tried again to enter the digital assistant space with the more successful Microsoft Clippit, fondly known as Clippy. Clippy was a digital assistant built into Microsoft Office. It came standard on Office 97 through 2003, offering help across the Office suite.
But again Microsoft struggled to make a lasting digital assistant, with Clippy disabled by default in XP and removed completely in Office 2007 and 2008. Even Microsoft’s own employees criticized the product.
Learning from Microsoft’s missteps, Apple, still riding high on the iPhone’s success and looking to innovate, created Siri in 2011. 11 years later, Siri remains central to the iPhone experience by providing a natural, straightforward way to interact with the device.
With seamless capabilities like speech-to-text, phone management, text-to-speech, and more, it’s no wonder Siri has succeeded in this age of automation and convenience.
Different categories of virtual assistants
While the term “virtual assistant” often refers to remote workers doing administrative tasks, virtual assistants powered by artificial intelligence (AI) have become popular with the advancement of chatbots and generative AI. These AI assistants serve different functions and provide varying levels of service to users.
Common types of AI-based virtual assistants include:
- Chatbots – Chatbots are programs that act as virtual assistants by communicating through text interfaces on websites, social media, and messaging platforms. They use natural language processing and machine learning to understand and respond to users, as well as improve through experience.
- Conversational Agents – Beyond text-based chatbots, conversational agents allow virtual assistants to have human-like conversations using both text and voice. These AI systems are designed to comprehend complex language, determine user intent, and respond appropriately to situations. More capable virtual assistants can be built using conversational AI.
- AI Virtual Assistants – Advanced virtual assistants can perform various tasks across devices and platforms, often conversing naturally through voice. Users can easily access information, control smart devices, and manage calendars by integrating these AI assistants with services and apps. Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri exemplify these intelligent virtual assistants.
Devices and technology for virtual assistants
Virtual assistants are cloud-based software programs that need internet-connected gadgets and apps to function. Most AI virtual assistants are found on smartphones, smart speakers or other platforms, including messaging apps.
AI chatbots utilizing generative AI, like ChatGPT, are also becoming popular for their capacity to generate human-like responses in text conversations.
Common virtual assistant technologies and devices include:
- Siri – Apple’s built-in, voice-controlled personal assistant on devices running iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS and tvOS. It utilizes voice recognition powered by AI.
- Cortana is a productivity assistant developed by Microsoft, which utilizes Bing to carry out tasks such as setting reminders and responding to inquiries.
- Copilot – An AI assistant in Windows 11 that provides natural user interface through AI-powered chat across Windows apps and programs.
- Google Assistant – A virtual voice assistant for Android devices that can answer questions, adjust device settings, schedule events/alarms and play games.
- Amazon Alexa is a voice service that operates in the cloud and is available on more than 100 million Amazon and third-party devices. Users say “Alexa” to signal they are ready to give voice commands for information or tasks.
- Samsung Bixby – Samsung’s virtual AI assistant primarily for mobile devices and some refrigerators. It can text, get weather, set reminders and read news.
- Mycroft AI – The first open source voice assistant that runs on any platform including desktops, cars and Raspberry Pi. It focuses on voice-enabling devices for personal assistance.
The technologies behind virtual assistants require huge amounts of data to feed AI platforms like machine learning, NLP and speech recognition. As users interact, AI programming learns from data to better predict needs.
Virtual assistants’ abilities and functions
Virtual assistants are capable of carrying out basic tasks for users. Some examples of what they can do include:
- Adding events to a calendar
- Providing information that would normally require an internet search
- Controlling and monitoring smart home devices like lights, cameras, and thermostats
- Making and taking phone calls
- Scheduling meetings
- Composing text messages
- Providing directions
- Reporting news, weather, and traffic updates
- Locating hotels and restaurants
- Checking flight bookings
- Streaming podcasts
- Setting reminders and alarms
- Assisting with workflow and task management
- Supporting e-learning and training
- Requesting Uber or Lyft rides
- Playing music
- Playing games
The capabilities of virtual assistants allow them to automate and simplify common tasks for end users. While fairly basic in nature, these functions aim to help users be more organized, informed, and productive.
Some users have voiced concerns regarding privacy and virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home. These assistants require large amounts of personal information and are constantly listening for wake words/commands. Though meant to only record after hearing a wake command, they may accidentally capture private conversations without the user knowing.
For example, Cortana works best when given access to data like emails, contacts, location, search history, etc. Users can opt out of sharing this data, but it limits Cortana’s capabilities.
Virtual assistant companies have privacy policies defining how they use and share user data. They typically don’t share identifiable user data without consent, but there are concerns about how user data is handled.
Users can take precautions like:
- Enabling sound notifications to alert when assistants accidentally activate
- Opting out of command/conversation recordings and history logs
- Avoiding sharing sensitive info with assistants
- Using separate accounts for personal and professional use
Most assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant support multiple accounts to segregate personal and work profiles.
FAQs
Does a digital assistant need an internet link?
Yes, an digital assistant typically requires an internet connection to work optimally. This is because they depend on cloud servers to understand your instructions, find information, and complete tasks.
Could an digital assistant assist me with organizing my daily schedule?
Definitely, a digital assistant can assist in managing your daily schedule by creating reminders, scheduling meetings, and sending notifications for upcoming events. It can connect with your calendar app to track your commitments.
Would a digital assistant increase productivity?
Yes, a digital assistant could significantly increase your productivity. By handling routine tasks, like setting alarms, making bookings, or locating information on the internet, you’re free to focus on more important tasks.
Does an digital assistant learn from my habits over time?
Yes, most digital assistants utilize machine learning algorithms to adapt to your habits and preferences over time. This allows them to provide more personalized help and predictive suggestions.
Can a digital assistant control smart home devices?
Certainly! Numerous digital assistants have the capability to manage smart home devices. You can give voice commands to change the temperature on your thermostat, switch off lights, secure doors, and perform other tasks. However, the level of compatibility may differ across various brands and models.
What kind of tasks can an digital assistant perform?
A digital assistant is capable of carrying out various tasks, such as responding to inquiries, sending emails, playing music, and delivering weather forecasts. The specific abilities of a digital assistant vary depending on the particular one you are using.
Does a digital assistant protect my privacy?
Most digital assistants are designed with privacy features. However, they do gather and store some personal data to function effectively. You should review the privacy policy of the online helper you’re using to understand how your data is handled.
Can I customize my digital assistant settings?
Certainly! You have the ability to personalize the settings of your digital assistant to align with your preferences. This encompasses the option to modify the voice, language, and the specific types of notifications you wish to receive. Additionally, certain online assistants provide the capability to establish personalized commands.
Could a digital assistant help me with programming tasks?
Certainly! While some digital assistants are capable of helping with basic programming tasks such as offering coding advice, debugging code, or creating simple scripts, more complex programming tasks will still require significant effort on your part.
What is the technology behind digital assistants?
Digital assistants operate using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. They utilize natural language processing to comprehend spoken commands, and then employ AI algorithms to interpret and execute appropriate responses or actions.
Is there a requirement for specific hardware for a digital assistant to operate?
No, specific hardware is not required for a digital assistant to operate. As long as you have a device with internet access and a microphone for voice commands, you can utilize an online assistant. Nevertheless, some functionalities may be improved with specialized hardware, such as a smart speaker for superior audio performance.
Would a digital assistant recognize different languages?
Yes, most digital assistants can recognize and respond to instructions in multiple languages. The number of supported languages varies between different helpers, so you’ll need to check the settings of your particular helper to see which languages it supports.
Does a digital assistant work in offline mode?
While certain features of an digital assistant might work in offline mode, such as setting local reminders or alarms, most functionalities require an internet connection. This is because digital assistants rely on cloud servers to process most instructions and fetch information.
Read Also: What Is One Of The Things That Has Set Siri Apart From Other Digital Assistants?
Conclusion
Virtual assistants are rapidly progressing to offer more capabilities for users. As speech recognition and natural language processing have improved, so too has the virtual assistant’s ability to comprehend and carry out requests. And as voice recognition technology keeps getting better, the use of virtual assistants will become more ingrained in business workflows.
Experts predict that AI assistants will continue to become more human-like and provide more personalized experiences as AI technology moves forward. According to Gartner, around 50% of knowledge workers will use a virtual assistant daily by 2025. However, the widespread adoption of AI assistants does not diminish the growing concerns about privacy and security risks associated with them.
Businesses are being encouraged to openly address these issues in their policies in order to establish trust with their customers. The future of virtual assistants may also be connected to the metaverse, with companies exploring new ways to integrate these assistants into virtual reality environments.
The introduction of ChatGPT, an intelligent virtual assistant and AI-powered language model developed by OpenAI, has also sparked discussions about the future of virtual assistants. Although there has been speculation regarding the potential impact of ChatGPT on the virtual assistant market, it remains uncertain how it will ultimately shape the future and direction of the industry.