Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is a software agent that can perform tasks or services for an individual based on voice commands or text inputs. The key features of virtual assistants include:

• Natural language processing - The ability to understand natural spoken or written language and interpret the user's request.
• Conversational interface - The ability to have dialogues and conversations with the user using text, speech or touch.
• Voice recognition - The ability to accurately recognize and interpret the user's voice commands.
• Personalized responses - Using information about the user to provide tailored, context-aware responses.
• Task completion - Performing specific tasks like looking up information, scheduling meetings, online purchases etc.
• Hands-free use - Allowing users to interact and access services through speech without using hands.
• Context-based awareness - Understanding user habits, environment and context to provide proactive assistance.
• Connected services - Integration with other devices, services, platforms to provide a unified experience.

Some popular virtual assistants are Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana etc. They are commonly used on smartphones, smart speakers, chatbots and other devices. With advancements in AI, virtual assistants are becoming increasingly intelligent and ubiquitous.