Comparison Of Current Products In Assistive Tech Category

Best Assistive Technologies – Cortana

Assistive technologies are a form of artificial intelligence that we can all get behind. We are happy to have these little voices offering help if it aids productivity and improves our day. At the moment, there are three key figures in this world. We can call up Siri from Apple devices for important information. We set Google Now from Google to work in the background on important tasks. We can also rely on Cortana to provide support for Windows phones and laptops. Each system has its approach to helping users, but which is best?

Siri:

Siri is the one we probably know the most, even if we don’t have an iPhone ourselves. Siri is the name that was once synonymous with assistive technology because it was the only one available. Siri is an experienced woman in this field. She was has come a long way since her first outing on the iPhone all those years ago.

The new update for iOS 10 takes things even further by offering a more pre-emptive approach. She will sit in the background a little more on programs, and now even on the Mac. This allows her offer suggestions in messages when appropriate.

She is also set to appear on Apple TV with the same voice recognition. This will help people search online, find playlists and much more. The great thing about Siri is that she is ever-evolving. You know that once this iOS update has been and gone, there will be even better features in the future.

At the moment, the list of possible features and functions that she can perform is extensive. The list of compatible apps and abilities is continuing to grow all the time. The main focus has always been messaging, calls, opening apps, web searches and other commands for work and productivity.

This means directions, travel information, calendars, and notifications. This has now expanded into entertainment devices and social media, with improved search functions, keyword recognition and more. It seems that anything that she can’t do right now, she could easily learn to do in the future.

Google Now:

he pre-emptive features of Siri are just starting to take flight as she broadens her capabilities. This is most likely a response to the development of Google Now. This program is as pre-emptive as they come when it comes to assistive technologies and the best artificial intelligence. The main difference is the use of voice recognition.

We have become used to saying “Siri, look up this,” but Google Now doesn’t require this. Instead, Google Now is simply sitting in the background, taking note of what you are doing and chiming in when it has a good suggestion. One of the major criticisms with this set-up is the fact that it isn’t all that intelligent at first. The best relationships here are the ones that come about through trial and error.

You do need to let this system get to grips with your habits and preferences and learn how to respond. Don’t tell it what you like and dislike – although it is customizable from the start. Instead, search and work as you would normally and let the system adapt.

Users soon find the card that they get – the notifications and pieces of advice – are more appropriate and efficient. The organic nature of the system is also its strength. It will provide information on stocks, sports teams, weather, travel, and calendars. The only problem is the search function. This isn’t a major part of the job description. Siri is a much better go for in that respect.

Cortana:

Finally, we have Cortana – the smart artificial intelligence operator for Windows phones and laptops. Cortana is pretty new in comparison to Siri, having only come into her own as an aid in Windows 10. She is the voice-activated guide that works much on the same lines as Siri.

For better or worse, Cortana has taken over the search function of the Windows system. Not that some people will have noticed. Hold down the search button so she knows to start listening and ask your question. Some see Cortana as the ideal midway point between Siri and Google Now.

On the one hand, her search functions and ability to assist in important matters is much like that of Siri. She is easy to respond and will work through Bing to find appropriate answers. Bing may not be the best choice here, especially when we think of what a Google Now search function could achieve. However, Cortana seems to be able to handle it well.

Then there is the ability to learn about your habits. Cortana is also taking notes in the background, much like Google Now, and can tailor information to interests and preferences. In many ways, she isn’t doing anything new. All of her abilities will be familiar to anyone used to using Siri. In fact, it is a difficult choice between turning to Siri or Cortana if you have a Windows laptop and iPhone n front of you.

So Which Is The Best Option Out Of These Assistive Technologies?

Each of these options has clear pros and cons, and it is hard to pick a clear winner. Siri is an obvious choice because of the experience, familiarity and the fact that she’s ever-evolving to meet user needs. She isn’t as the initiative to user habits and needs as Google Now, but she is improving in this respect. She also remains one of the best phone-based AIs for searching.

Google Now is appealing because it works in such a different way to Siri with its background role and capacity to learn. It is a very slow process, and there is room to grow. However, the current model is a breath of fresh air. Finally, Cortana is trying to be a Jill of all trades. She does succeed pretty well, but she is not as experienced as Siri or as interesting as Google Now. In the end, the intelligence and personal approach of Google Now just put it ahead of the pack. That is until Siri ups her game a little more.