Things are changing a lot on the ground reality when it comes to the use of technology. Right from the way we work to handling fitness and management of daily chores, everything has changed with the advent of Artificial Intelligence.
There are many areas which are being explored with the help of AI. One of the most interesting areas is Natural Language Processing (NLP). NLP has made it possible to make voice assistants. For now, the technology is still evolving but we’ve already seen very impressive and accurate results in the form of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Be it office work schedule, booking tickets, making reservations, paying bills or finding a place, you say it and your assistants would do it all. Everyone can be Iron Man now!
With the two most powerful assistants i.e. Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, the raging war to top this race in 2019 has already begun. The biggest question arises: Which side should you choose?
Before comparing the two tech spartans let’s get first things first: the point from where it all started.
Back to the basics
Google Assistant is a Voice User Interface software powered by Artificial Intelligence/NLP which you can talk to on Google Home speaker or by long-pressing your Android phone’s Home button. You ask “OK Google! What’s the weather?” and Google Assistant shall answer you.
Similarly, Alexa which works on similar technology is another Voice Based Interface software that you can speak to on the Amazon Echo speaker or your Amazon’s Fire TV remote control. Ask “Alexa play Coldplay songs for me” and Alexa does it as you say.
Not just that, you can even control several other home products with your voice commands as these smart assistants are supported by a fleet of home products range.
Let’s dig deeper to find which one of them i.e. Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant stand ahead in the race.
Amazon Alexa vs Google Assistant
Wake Words
Although these AI-powered assistants have a voice and one could interact with them. But unlike fellow humans, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant need to be activated by using “wake words” such as OK, Google or Hey Google for Google Assistant.
Amazon Alexa, on the other hand, lets you choose the wake word you wish to have among its 4 choices i.e. “Alexa”, “Amazon”, “Echo”, or “Computer”. You can change the wake word for Alexa with the help of device settings to any one of the mentioned 4 options.
While Alexa provides you options to choose from, Google assistant, on the contrary, plays it naturally, letting you say either of the two (OK, Google or Hey Google). Though, Google assistant might turn the tables by bringing up the option to change the wake word as you wish.
Back and Forth Conversation
Having a back and forth conversation proves the mettle of AI. Think about a scenario where you’ve asked “What time Zee restaurant will open?”, and then you ask “Will I get Mac and Cheese there?”. In the upcoming questions, you don’t have to mention the place of context again and again, as your assistant will automatically connect the whole conversation context.
This makes AI very much natural and enhances the overall end user experience. Google Assistant has an upper hand in maintaining the contextual back and forth conversation. Even, Alexa can be seen catching up to match the high standards of follow-up questions and context set by Google Assistant.
Voice Recognition
Whether it is Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, both are highly capable in Voice Recognition letting the end user enjoy a personalized experience. But also what matters, in this case, is the microphone quality of the device you use. So, make sure to use a good microphone for best results.
The Smarter One
Google Assistant has the advantage of having associated with Google which in itself is a knowledge giant. While Google Search is an added advantage to Google Assistant, at the same time, Alexa needs to work harder to catch up. This gives an edge to the Google Assistant which happens to be the smarter assistant among the two.
Given Alexa would continue with its current pace of improvement, it would soon catch up to be smarter by the day.
Home products integration
Google Assistant is still seeking a higher number in terms of compatible home devices but is improving by each passing day. While it is compatible with most of the famous brands, yet it has to go an extra mile to catch up with Alexa on this.
The Final Verdict
With improving technology, the race is getting quite closer by each day. It is becoming difficult to find a clear winner. Although Alexa has an edge in terms of the plethora of home products for smart integration, Google Assistant is smarter with better conversational skills.
The deciding factor remains whether you are looking for a smart home or a full-time assistant to manage your daily errands. This would help you go with the better utility factor in your case.
The Way Forward
With more and more businesses making their apps Voice UI enabled, it might soon be a case where practically everything runs with a single command on your Smart Assistant. If you are looking to make your business a part of this amazing modern technology, then Citrus Leaf is the right place to head to.
Let your business app work on the command from Google Assistant or Alexa. Feel free to write us at hello@citrusleaf.in to explore the amazing possibilities of AI enabled Voice UI for your business app.