Also known as a mobile assistant and virtual digital assistant, a digital assistant is a computer program designed to assist a user by answering questions and performing basic tasks.

How to interact with a digital assistant

To interact with a digital assistant, you must use a wake word, a word or group of words your device uses to activate the digital assistant. Wake words include “Alexa,” “Computer,” “Echo,” “Ok Google,” “Hey Cortana,” and “Hey Siri.”

A digital assistant should not be confused with a virtual assistant or a human who remotely helps a person or company with tasks. Also, because most digital assistants are interacted with using your voice, they may also be called a voice assistant.

  • How to interact with a digital assistant.
  • How to open the digital assistant on a smartphone.
  • Where are digital assistants found?
  • How can a digital assistant help me?

How to open the digital assistant on a smartphone

On most smartphones, there are two options. There is a button you can press and hold, or if enabled in your phone settings, you can say the wake words (see the section How to interact with a digital assistant above).

For iPhones, Siri is awakened by holding the power button for several seconds. If enabled in the Siri settings, you can say “Hey Siri” instead.

For Android phones, Google Assistant is awakened by pressing and holding the home button for a few seconds. If enabled in the Google settings, you can say “Hey Google” instead.

On most Samsung phones, there is a dedicated Bixby button. Press it once or twice to open Bixby. If you don’t have the Bixby button, you can go to the Bixby app settings and enable other buttons, including the power button, to wake the Bixby assistant.

Where are digital assistants found?

Today, digital assistants are found in more and more devices as their capabilities increase, voice recognition improves, and as more people are becoming reliant on them. Below is a list of some common places you may find a digital assistant.

If your device doesn’t have a wake word or it’s disabled, you can interact with the digital assistant by pressing a button, opening an application, or using a search bar.

  • Smartphone
  • Tablet
  • Smartwatch
  • Smart speaker
  • Instant messaging programs.
  • Computer operating systems, like Windows 10 and macOS.
  • Apple TV and DVRs.
  • Appliances
  • Cars
  • Facebook Portal

How can a digital assistant help me?

As digital assistants become popular, so do their capabilities and the tasks they’re able to perform. Below are some popular abilities (skills) most digital assistants can perform.

  • Answer basic questions.
  • Set alarms, timers, and reminders.
  • Get information about the weather.
  • Play a song or a genre of music.
  • Perform calculations.
  • Tell jokes.
  • Read audiobooks.

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