Tag: Virtual Assistant

Xiao Ai Is Xiaomi’s Virtual Assistant And It Is Very Similar To The Google Assistant

When Google launched the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, it talked a lot about the tight integration of Google Assistant within the OS. Many believed that AI and machine learning would be the next big trend in the smartphone industry. However, that doesn’t seem to hold up so far in 2018. The iPhone X notch has taken over the smartphone industry in the first few months of 2018. However, Xiaomi has strayed away from the herd so far. It launched the Mi MIX 2s without a notch and has now introduced its own virtual assistant, Xiao Ai.

Now, there is a huge chance that Xiao AI will never make its way to India. But, recent launch activity by Xiaomi India suggests the company has identified the great potential Indian market possesses. So, it is not completely ludicrous to expect an India-friendly version of Xiao Ai making its debut with the Mi MIX 2s. Then again, don’t hold your breath for the launch of the Mi MIX 2s in India.

Xiaomi has released a video showcasing the skills of its new AI assistant, Xiao Ai. The video is mostly in Chinese but, there are English subtitles and we couldn’t help but notice similarities with Google Assistant. In the video, colourful bars pop up when the assistant is listening, similar to the Google Assistant. Also, it shows that Xiao Ai can set reminders, control smart lights, tell the weather and other tasks that Google Assistant and the likes of Alexa, Siri can do as well.

However, it is worth noting that Xiao Ai is programmed based on the Chinese language. This means that, in China, at least, this will be the most productive virtual assistant. This bodes well for the company’s other smart home offerings as well.

April 3, 2018
Samsung’s New Virtual Assistant for Mobile Phones Could Arrive Next Year

Virtual assistants seem to be the shiny new toy in the world of smartphones these days. Apple’s Siri led to Microsoft’s Cortana and it simply doesn’t end there. Joining the fray is Samsung with its own rumoured new voice assistant for mobile phones.

Samsung is developing a Virtual Assistant for its devices. It will build on S Voice app with search engine and clever notification.

— S_leak (@sleaknow) December 10, 2015

Samsung already has a voice assistant called S Voice but it’s nowhere close to its Apple and Microsoft counterparts. This is what the company is perhaps working on improving. The new assistant is expected to run on Samsung devices using the S Voice app.

Needless to say, the features would be enhanced and upgraded to ensure an over-all smoother and efficient experience for the user. Because the company has had a history of launching new software with new hardware, we can expect to see the voice assistant with the launch of Galaxy S7 in February 2016.

Via: SamMobile

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December 14, 2015
Is Microsoft Late in Launching Cortana in India?

Cortana, the voice-based virtual assistant, was launched in India for Windows 10 users yesterday, with the Indian accent and voice support. It is part of the November update which the company announced on Thursday.

Thanks to leaks, some Indian users managed to get to lay their hands on this new addition by Microsoft weeks ago. But now it’s finally here officially and how. Microsoft says it took time in launching it in the country because it was working on an Indian voice and accent.

Cortana for India is complete with India-specific knowledge as well. Not only will it be able to understand the Indian accent but you can also talk to the voice assistant about golgappas and cricket, says Microsoft. Indian festivals and customs are two other things Cortana now recognises.

When asked about Diwali, Cortana says, “in the courtyard of AI imagination, I would light up a thousand diyas.”

The virtual assistant was first introduced in the country in September as part of Microsoft’s Insider Preview program with the promise of an update to be rolled out later. Microsoft claimed it was still working on improving voice support.

Users can now use Cortana to book tickets using Book My Show app. However, what is perhaps the most interesting feature that Microsoft cannot stop talking about is clicking selfies using simply voice commands. The virtual assistant with its added features is also capable of looking into your emails and reminding you of appointments and events, or reschedule meetings if need be.

But after its global launch months ago, is Microsoft a little too late in bringing it in India? Whether or not the delay is a disadvantage, Cortana definitely has an edge over its Apple counterpart, Siri, with its knowledge of Indian customs and accent. Let us know which voice assistant would you rather prefer in the comments below.

November 14, 2015
Facebook Testing Its Own Virtual Assistant: Moneypenny

Facebook has grown from being a website where people post last night’s party pictures to a site where anything can happen. You can advertise your business, you can check out various events happening nearby, read the latest news and now, Facebook is venturing into streaming too. To enhance your experience, Facebook is reportedly testing a new virtual assistant along the lines of Siri and Cortana, named ‘Moneypenny’.

Named after the famous assistant in James Bond series, the feature will be present in the Messenger App. According to Engadget, Moneypenny will assist you in shopping and research, which sounds rather useful. Facebook is known for its penchant for data collection, and if people are excited about a feature like Moneypenny, then it’s a goldmine for the company as well as advertisers.

No other details about Moneypenny have been revealed yet. It will be interesting to see how Facebook integrates this with its website and app, considering that the virtual assistants by Apple, Microsoft and Google are integrated into the OS as a whole.

We can’t wait to meet ~~Bond’s~~ Facebook’s new assistant, Moneypenny.

So

July 14, 2015