For all the Android phone users who are somewhat envious of Apple’s Siri, as suggested by the more than 29 million “Siri for Android” search results in Google, there are a variety of apps for your Android phone that provide some functions that are similar to Apple’s voice recognition personal assistant.
It is noted that there is no single app for Android that can provide as much range in functionality as Siri does but there are some applications that when used collectively, may provide as many features or even some that Siri could not do. Android apps do not match Siri’s capacity in terms of answering and managing queries regarding appointments but they have features that also surpass Siri like allowing websites and applications to be directly opened by voice command.
One of your choices is Eva. This app can do a lot of tasks like making calls, managing contact, giving directions, announcing incoming calls, stocking quotes, and creating expense reports. It can also customize website bookmarks for you and read text messages even in background mode. It also searches in multiple sources. Eva has a female voice and its male counterpart is Evan. This app has two versions‒ the free one is called Eva Intern or Evan Intern that can be used for 28 days while Eva or Evan costs $8.99
Next is Jeannie, this app has two versions‒ the free one has advertisements while the free-from-ads Voice Actions Plus version costs $2.99. Jeannie can set reminders and alarm, make calls, record video and audio, send messages, answer questions, do social networking, search from multiple website, and make translations from English to Chinese, Spanish and French; among other functions. However, the phrasing of questions can be difficult. Its developer promises to provide better voice recognition with Nuance’s technology soon.
Another option is Iris, this is an alpha app that can be downloaded for free and used for Web searches, making calls or texts, looking for contacts and chatting. Its user interface is inspired by Ice Cream Sandwich and therefore provides an uncluttered look. It has voice-recognition placeholders for soon-to-be implemented tasks. The app is currently limited because of its alpha state, but downloading it will allow users to monitor the developments of the app.
There is also the Speaktoit Assistant. It’s a free, in-beta stage app that can answer questions, do social networking, launch apps, add appointments, make calls, send messages, play music, check the weather, find information, do simple math and look at appointments for the day among other functions. It can also be accessible through a long press motion on your search button. Its developer is still working to improve the app at this point.
And the last in this list is Skyvi. This free app provides some “personality” with its humorous responses. It uses Wolfram Alpha’s knowledge base for answering questions. It provides a wide range of information, from food nutrition to local businesses. It can also access Twitter and Facebook.
These apps may be limited for now but swift improvements are on their way.
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