Apple has attempted to make big waves with the release of Siri, the new interactive voice software released with the iPhone 4S. The videos and the ads show people simply speaking into their phones while jogging or driving and having their phones understand what they are saying and accomplishing the needed tasks. It sounds really good, is very polished, and Apple is touting it as new advanced technology.
This writer (and Android fan) is here to say that Android’s got the same (or similar) feature in the news iterations of the Voice Search app. I have to admit, I was one of those Android owners that went on a search of the Android Market for a Siri-like Android alternative and even found and tested an app (Vlingo). What I didn’t realize is that the latest version of the Voice Search app included a feature called Voice Actions which takes many of your Android’s abilities and makes them accessible via voice.
The other day I was testing out these voice actions and I’ve got to say, they’re a lot of fun to use! I can also see them being very useful when the hands are busy.
Check out the list of things you can do with the voice actions by checking out Google’s website about it. What do you think? How does Android’s Voice Search and Actions stack up against Apple’s Siri?
5 Comments on "With Voice Actions in the latest Voice Search Android app version, who needs Siri?"
two needed actions: 1. Schedule a meeting with John at ten tomorrow and 2. Add buy bread to todo list. Then we can talk about how it beats Siri…
I’d also certainly like to see it have the ability to open an app, ie. “open Facebook” I hear they’re working on something called “Assistant” which will include improvements and more interactivity with other apps.
I think that with Voice Actions in the latest Voice search Android app version some people still needs Siri. I know that many people consider Siri as a vital part on Apple application. I know that this new android applicaiton would be loved by gadgets lover like me.
Just switched over from a pre-Siri iPhone to Android and have tried out Voice Actions as well as several other free virtual assistant apps. But I have to agree with the first commenter: Even without ever having used Siri and thus being unable to compare the overall performance and reliability of both programs, the fact that not a single voice recognition app on Android seems to be able to create or edit calendar events – let alone inform you of conflicts and re-schedule on the fly – still gives Apple a serious edge over Android for any users who would use this functionality as more than just a mere gimmick. There needs to be deeper OS integration until Voice Actions can really compete with Siri.
As I mentioned earlier, y’all are right there. Let’s keep our eyes pealed to see what Android does to improve this.