Have you ever asked Siri for the weather forecast? Or maybe you’ve told Alexa to play your favorite song? These are examples of chatbots and virtual assistants—forms of Ai that we can communicate with just like we do with people. Let’s get acquainted with these digital helpers.

What Are Chatbots and Virtual Assistants?

Chatbots are Ai systems that we can talk to through messaging apps, websites, or devices. Virtual assistants are a type of chatbot that can perform tasks for us, like setting alarms or ordering groceries. They understand our language and respond in kind, making our lives a bit easier.

How Do We Talk to Ai?

Talking to Ai is as simple as speaking or typing a question. These Ai systems use natural language processing to understand what we’re saying and respond appropriately. You can ask, “What’s the capital of France?” and get an instant reply, or say, “Call Mom,” and your phone will start dialing.

Examples of Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are some of the most popular virtual assistants. They can play music, provide news updates, control smart home devices, and much more. Chatbots can be found on many customer service websites, ready to help you with questions about your order or service.