Ever since Apple released Siri, the Android world has craved something similar. As a result, dozens of personal assistant apps were created and published with more and more coming out every year. Which ones are worth paying attention to? Here are the best personal assistant apps for Android.
AIVC (Alice)
[Price: Free / $3.29]
AIVC (Alice) is a pretty standard virtual assistant with an above average track record. It includes the ability to ask for simple things such as starting various apps, the weather, time, calendar, reminders, and even simple math problems. You can also ask it about fun facts about stats, stocks, and more. Of course, it also includes the basics like calling, sending SMS, navigation, alarms, and translation. It’s not as complex or smooth as something like Google Now but it’s not a bad option if you just need something simple.
Assistant
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Assistant is an admittedly impressive personal assistant. Much like services such as Google Now, Assistant doesn’t just answer requests but attempts to predict them as well and it can be really useful when it gets everything right. It has a wide range of features and available commands, including the basics such as calling and sending SMS along with starting apps, horoscopes, navigation, media (music, video, radio), news, notifications, and a lot more. There is even support for stuff like jokes and small talk which adds a bit of personality.
Cortana
[Price: Free]
It is true that Cortana still needs some work but it has too much potential to leave off of a list like this. Microsoft’s answer to Siri has a ton of things that it can do and it’s integrated into Windows 10 for near-seamless cross-platform support. Among its many features include the ability to call people, send SMS and email, track packages, tell jokes, take notes, add stuff to your calendar, and more. Again, it is a little rough around the edges right now, but Cortana is still better than most and it’ll only get better over time.
Dragon Mobile Assistant
[Price: Free]
Dragon Mobile Assistant was released by Nuance Communications, the same company that brought us the once iconic Swype keyboard. It comes with the basic features so you can expect pretty standard functionality. This one includes something called Attentive Mode which allows it to be activated even when the screen is off and locked. That makes Dragon Mobile one of the few that offer this functionality. You can also choose between several voices and even name your assistant what you want.
Google Now
[Price: Free]
Google Now is pretty much the undisputed champion of personal assistant apps on Android. It comes with a metric ton of features which includes the basics, more advanced stuff like anticipating your needs, activation from anywhere, Google Now on Tap, and a lot more. It’s not enough that this app is solid as a brick wall but it’s also updated on an almost constant basis by Google which seems to only add to its stability and range of features. If your device has Google Play Services, you probably already have this installed which means you just have to turn it on. You can also get Google Now Launcher which puts Google Now at the forefront of your device interactions.
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Hound beta
[Price: Free]
Hound beta is another one of the upcoming personal assistant apps alongside Cortana. This one is done by SoundHound and it’s actually pretty decent. The basics are all covered here and includes some advanced stuff like a mortgage calculator, integrated Expedia support for hotel booking, and the SoundHound Now which opens a sing/hum music search. You can even play interactive games like Hangman. It’s only for United States residents right now and you will need to request a beta code, but it’s a pretty fun experience once you get in.
Indigo Virtual Assistant
[Price: Free]
Indigo Virtual Assistant is a personal assistant app that tries to focus a little more on personality and the developers encourage you to talk to it like you would a normal person. You can do the basics including sending SMS and emails, phone calls, navigation, and the usual stuff. You can also save favorites so you can repeat them later, translate stuff very quickly and for various things, and a lot more The Indigo developers admit that their speech recognition is a beta and, thus, errors may occur but otherwise it feels like an enjoyable experience that works rather well.
Jarvis
[Price: Free / $1.50]
Jarvis hit it big with the Android community thanks to its obvious reference to Iron Man. Along with the basics, Jarvis comes with widget support, the ability to set wallpapers, device controls (turn off WiFi, for instance), reminders, and it’s one of the few personal assistant apps that can be used on wearables such as Android Wear. One caveat is that it only supports English for right now so be prepared for that.
Robin
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Robin was one of the original “Siri challengers” and, as such, as been around for quite some time. Despite that, the developer still proclaim Robin as a beta application which means they definitely want everything to be just right before release. It supports the basic commands such as calling and sending SMS and it can also respond to gestures, find out about parking and traffic alerts, gas prices, and more. It still needs some work but it’s a pretty decent option and should become a lot better over the long term.
Skyvi
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Skyvi is another personal assistant app that’s been around since the first wave of “Siri competitors” came out on Android. Aside from the basics, Skyvi can do things like send stuff on Twitter and Facebook for quick updates, look up various fun facts, and it can even tell jokes. Admittedly, Skyvi is one of the more simple options much like AIVC so if you’re looking for something complicated, integrated, and complex, then Skyvi won’t do it for you. That said, it does perform its features well and it’s a good option for those who want a lighter touch.
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If we missed any great personal assistant apps for Android, tell us about them in the comments! To see our complete list of best app lists, click here.