If you answered yes to any one these questions, then continue reading to find out how you can get a Siri-like personal voice assistant on your Android device. As the official Siri assistant is only available for iPhone, you won’t be able to install the exact same app on your Android device. That being said, there are several decent personal voice assistants available on the Google Play Store that can perform these features exactly like Siri, if not better. Using this guide, you’ll learn about various popular alternatives on how to get Siri on Android.
Method 1: Vlingo
Vlinigo is one of the most popular personal voice assistants available for Android. It uses the company’s unique intent engine technology to get the most accurate voice and text results. You can either speak or type in your desired question or query and Vlingo will get the best possible results. While the app does a great job at being a voice assistant, it is a full personal assistant that can also take inputs from browsing through different options and typing in queries. Not only is Vlingo available on Android, it is also available on various other platforms including Windows and Blackberry smartphones. Highly praised by some of the most popular magazines and websites, Vlingo is possible one of the easiest and most reliable personal voice assistants across different platforms. Currently, you can use Vlingo for several features including sending SMS, making phone calls, asking random queries, updating status messages on social media, launching apps on your device, finding locations and setting reminders.
Step 1
Download and install Vlingo on your Android device. Unfortunately, the app is not available on the Google Play store but you can download it through Vlingo’s official website or from a third party source. You’ll need to use your phone number or email ID to get the download link.
Step 2
Open the app and choose your desired action. You’ll find several options on the main screen, including Send Messages and Call Someone. Long press on the option to go to the action’s main screen. For example if you want to update your social media status, hold the Update Social Networks option.
Step 3
Tap on the Microphone button and speak for entering the voice command. You can speak for messages, ask questions or update status messages on social media.
Step 4
By using the Search feature, you can search for any query and the app will give you various options for using the results. For instance, if you searched for a particular place, the app will give you the option to call it, find out more about it or view its location on the map.
Step 5
For using the text to speech functionality, go the app’s Settings by tapping on the Menu button and enable options like Play texts and Play email to hear whenever you receive a new message or email.
Method 2: Google Now
Google Now is probably Android’s best reply to iPhone’s Siri as the app comes directly from Google. Previously a very limited search feature, Google Now is now as good as the official Siri app. The app acts as a personal assistant, letting you search the web using text and speech. The search results are based according to your own personal preferences. The app doesn’t just act as a personal assistant, but it is integrated in such a way that you can use it all the time to get even the most basic information. It’s not something that you would want to use to ask random and useless questions, but it’s an app that can make almost every function of your smartphone easier. From setting reminders and alarms to finding out about real time traffic at a particular place, you’ll be able to do everything with just a swipe or a voice command.
Step 1
Download and install Google Now on your Android device if it didn’t come pre-installed on your device. You can download it through the Google Play button below.
Step 2
Open the app and tap on Yes, I’m in. You’ll now be taken to Google Now’s main screen.
Step 3
Tap on the Wand button to start configuring the app.
Step 4
Make sure you edit the relevant settings to customize the app according to your needs. This will get you the most accurate results. You can edit things like Sports teams, stocks and places.
Step 5
Once you’re done configuring the app, you can launch it by holding the Home button and dragging it towards the top. This will launch Google Now from any screen on your Android device.
Step 6
Tap on the Microphone button and speak whatever you want to ask or do. You can search for just about anything, for example, what’s the best pizza place? or how tall is the Statue of Liberty?
Step 7
For setting reminders, tap on the Reminder button on the main screen and set up an alarm for a specific event, time or location.
Method 3: Speaktoit Assistant
Speaktoit Assistant is one of the oldest and most downloaded voice assistants on the Google Play Store. Downloaded by millions of Android users, the app has been highly praised for its performance, interface and functionality. Unlike other voice assistants, the app has some unique features, such as remembering your old questions and preferences. Currently, it supports 6 different languages and is proactive, meaning that it will assist you whenever it thinks that you need something without you even asking. You don’t need to remember certain commands as there is no set trigger. You can speak naturally or freely and the assistant will understand. Another great thing about this particular app is that like real life assistants, it learns from time, meaning that the efficiency will keep on increasing with usage. Also, instead of just displaying your results, your conversations will be displayed along with the picture of the assistant.
Step 1
Download and install Speaktoit Assistant on your Android device. You can get the app through the Google Play button below.
Step 2
Tap on the Microphone button and ask your desired question. For basic questions with definitions, you’ll get the answer in the conversation, but you can also ask something like Can you show it too me and the assistant will display the relevant pictures along with the conversation.
Step 3
You can add things to your task list by speaking and the assistant will add it to the list. As it is proactive, it will also ask you if you want to set a reminder for that particular task.
Step 4
For scheduling events, you can say something like Set up a meeting at 12 am. The assistant will first show you the schedule asking if it looks right before adding it to your Calendar.
Conclusion
Siri is one of the most popular features on the latest iPhone and is one of the first mobile voice assistants. Having a personnal voice assistant can not only help you use your phone while you’re driving, but it also understands how you use your device. It is a better and more realistic way of interacting with your smartphone. While Siri is great for making life easy for iPhone users, you can also get your own personal assistant if you’re an Android user. You won’t find the official Siri app on the Google Play Store, but there are several apps available that can do exactly what Siri does on the iPhone, while offering several additional features. Google Now was Google’s direct reply to iPhone’s Siri and the feature comes pre-loaded with most new Android devices. If you’re looking for something that is reliable, accurate and simple, then Google Now is possibly your best option. If you want something more personal or certain additional and unique features, then you can use other voice assistants such as Maluuba, Speaktoit Assistant or Vlingo. All these assistants are designed according to different preferences of users and you can choose the app that best fits your needs. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you follow all the instructions on how to get Siri on Android properly and feel free to shoot any questions below.
