Speaking Questions and Commands to Your Computer or Device with Your Own Voice
Also see: Echo Devices with Alexa from Amazon
You've probably heard names like "Cortana" - "OK Google" - "Alexa" - "Siri". These are all different brands of "virtual search tools and personal assistants" that find information and perform tasks in response to spoken verbal commands.
Interacting with computers and electronic devices by voice is now a built-in feature on most new models of computer, tablet and smart phone.
In other words, you can direct your computer or device to do various things with your own voice. (These tools are powered largely by technologies developed by Nuance's Dragon "Naturally Speaking" software, used for many years in computer-assisted dictation.)
Depending on the type of computer, internet connection or other devices you're using, you can use one or more of these to get information fast - and even control devices or home systems.
Getting these set up is much easier today than even a year ago. Once you've got your application working and your audio, sound and WiFi connections are intact, using your computer or device by voice just comes down to practice. It may help to get some coaching here, but many people can make good progress learning by experimenting with their own spoken search requests and commands.
"Cortana" is a digital personal assistant app built into Windows 10 and a variety of Windows devices. It's is able recognize commands and questions spoken and in natural language.
See https://www.windowscentral.com/comprehensive-list-cortana-voice-commands-windows-10-0 for a sampling of queries and commands Cortana can handle.
"OK Google" does the same thing with Android devices - tablets and smart phones such as the Samsung Galaxy series.
See https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ok-google-voice-commands-list/ for a sampling of queries and commands OK Google can handle.
"Alexa" is the Amazon-generated personal assistant that utilizes popular "Echo" devices which you can place anywhere in your house running off WiFi.
See https://www.cnet.com/how-to/amazon-echo-the-complete-list-of-alexa-commands/ for a sampling of queries and commands Alexa can handle.
"Siri" is a digital personal assistant built into Apple computers and devices such as the iMac, iPad and iPhone.
See https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-complete-list-of-siri-commands/ for a sampling of queries and commands Siri can handle.
Getting familiar with Cortana or Siri on your computer is easiest by follow the built-in tutorials or getting a bit of coaching. Once you get started, just a bit of practice goes a long way.
Using OK Google on your phone similarly depends mostly on practice, but a bit of tutoring can help if you're concerned about getting lost.
Alexa uses Echo devices which can be installed to use your home WiFi, and then it's just a matter of practice, trying out different questions and commands to get familiar with what Alexa can do.
The range of virtual assistant services is expanding rapidly. These are just a few of the most popular uses for householders.
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