Limitations of Third-Party Voice Assistants
Before reading about the Siri alternatives, it’s important to note some of the key limitations to these services. Perhaps the top reason is that third-party tools can’t access system-level functions such as opening apps or making setting changes.
Why Use a Third-Party Voice Assistant?
Another big reason to use a third-party assistant over Apple Siri? The other solutions on this list are offered across multiple platforms, while Siri remains firmly stuck in all things Apple.
Alternatives
Voice assistants wouldn’t be where they are today if it wasn’t for Alexa. First introduced on a single, smart speaker in 2014, the assistant can voice interaction, set alarms, music playback, real-time information reporting, and much more. Through the use of third-party “skills,” you can teach Alexa to do thousands of other tasks across multiple platforms.
Sample Alexa commands include:
Rate songs (e.g., “Alexa, I like this song” or “Alexa, thumbs down.”)Set multiple timers (e.g. “Alexa, set a second timer for 5 minutes.”)Order an Uber (e.g. “Alexa, ask Uber to request a ride.”)Check headlines (e.g., “Alexa, what’s in the news?”)Timely news (e.g., “Alexa, what’s the latest with the coronavirus?”)Listen to audiobooks (e.g., “Alexa, next chapter” or “Alexa, previous chapter.”)
Google Assistant
Not surprisingly, Google Assistant heavily integrates with other Google products that also have a place on the iPhone. These include YouTube, YouTube Music, Gmail, Google Maps, Photos, and much more.
Sample commands include:
Make quick phone calls (e.g. “Call Dad.”)Send text messages (e.g. “Text Jennifer B.”)Email your boss (e.g., “Here are the monthly reports.”)Set reminders (e.g. “Remind me to buy a graduation gift for Chris.”)Set calendar events (e.g. “Set a calendar event for dinner with Samantha tomorrow from 5-6:30.”)Play music (e.g. “Play rock music on YouTube.”)Navigate places (e.g., “Get me directions home.”)Weather information (e.g., “Do I need a coat today?”)
You can find the free Google Assistant app on the App Store.
Lyra
Pick up the free Lyra Personal Assistant app on the App Store.
What About Cortana?
Microsoft’s voice assistant, Cortana, is still available on iOS (and Android), at least in the United States and other locations. However, beginning in late 2019, the assistant was slowly removed from other App Stores worldwide, suggesting its future is in doubt. With this type of uncertainty, Cortana can’t be recommended for iPhone and iPad users at this time.
The Future of Voice Assistants
