Difference Between Alexa and Siri

The advent of artificial intelligence, Machine Learning and voice computing in the recent years has caused a tectonic shift in the digital space, as a result of which interactive voice-based virtual assistants no longer lurk in the shadows anymore, and Apple’s Siri and Amazon Alexa have become common household names. The rapidly increasing pace of digitization and the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) is giving rise to some hottest trends. Our very own personal assistants have evolved from being primarily transactional to intelligent and more focused than ever before. Well, you know how the Siri works. The Amazon’s Alexa works kind of the same way.

Siri is basically a digital assistant for Apple devices, specifically the iPhone whereas Alexa is kind of a home assistant found in Amazon’s line of Echo smart home devices. Siri is locked to the Apple’s ecosystem. Apart from that, both the virtual assistants can be found in the center of living room and dining rooms in the form of Amazon Echo and Apple HomePod devices. Apple HomePod is a new smart speaker developed by Apple and a direct competitor of Amazon Echo. But the question remains: which one is better – Alexa or Siri? Let’s take a look at the two virtual assistants.

What is Alexa?

Alexa is the Amazon’s famous and wildly popular voice-based virtual assistant found on its line of famous Echo devices. Alexa is a new breed of voice-aware systems that uses conversational artificial intelligence which means Alexa is not meant to be controlled so much as interacted with. Alexa is the brain behind the entire family of Amazon Echo devices. You wake it up by simply saying “Alexa” and then ask something or give commands. You can ask Alexa about the latest news updates and weather reports, find content on the Web, set alarms and reminders, search for recipes, get directions, and of course, purchase items from Amazon. Although, Alexa is a single object, it’s actually a large collection of objects that together, create the full, seamless Alexa experience.

What is Siri?

Siri is an intelligent, interactive virtual assistant that offers a faster, easier way to get things done on your Apple devices. Siri is Apple’s own voice-controlled personal assistant which debuted on the iPhone 4S at its release in October 2011. Siri started as a separate smartphone app for iOS which was later acquired by Apple. Initially, the capabilities of Siri were limited to basic functions such as searching contacts, messaging, and fetching weather updates plus some simple queries. Over the years, Apple extended the capabilities of Siri by closely integrating it with third-party apps. Siri uses natural language processing to respond to your queries and commands, and provide assistance as you need it. Siri helps you set up meetings, call your mom, check emails, set up alarms, find restaurants, and a lot more.

Difference between Alexa and Siri

Basics

– Alexa is the Amazon’s famous and wildly popular voice-based virtual assistant found on its line of famous Echo devices. It uses conversational artificial intelligence which means Alexa is not meant to be controlled so much as interacted with. You wake it up by simply saying “Alexa” and then ask something or give commands. Siri is Apple’s own voice-controlled personal assistant which debuted on the iPhone 4S. It is an intelligent, interactive virtual assistant that offers a faster, easier way to get things done on your Apple devices.

Strength

– Alexa has an upper hand when it comes to online shopping, which was Amazon’s man forte. Alexa gives the most natural responses in this category. While in the travel and entertainment category, Siri shares the first place and offers the most natural responses in the category. Alexa does not respond really well when prompted to get information about a movie. Siri makes things so much simpler and you’ll find yourself using your iPhone in ways you never did before. Siri also offers concierge services that simplify life.

Technology

– Siri uses natural language processing to respond to your queries and commands, and provide assistance as you need it. In addition, Siri responds to both direct commands and to random statements. You can use Siri to control a wide range of HomeKit Siri-enabled devices and accessories. Alexa is a new breed of voice-aware systems that uses conversational artificial intelligence. Alexa works with a wide range of devices including its family of Echo devices, Android devices and other smart home devices such as smart bulbs and switches, smart locks, smart thermostats, etc.

Alexa vs. Siri: Comparison Chart

Summary of Alexa vs. Siri

In a nutshell, Siri is locked to the Apple’s ecosystem and offers a faster, easier way to get things done on your Apple devices. Siri uses natural language processing to respond to your queries and commands, and provide assistance as you need it. Alexa, on the other hand, is a new breed of voice-aware system that uses conversational artificial intelligence meaning it’s meant to be interacted with rather than controlled. Alexa has an upper hand when it comes to online shopping, which was Amazon’s man forte whereas Siri gives the most natural responses in the travel and entertainment category. Besides, both are very skilled voice-based assistants.

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