You're rushing around trying to get everything done – work, errands, family obligations, the works. It’s a neverending story, and the list of to-dos just keeps getting longer and longer.
But, AI-powered virtual assistants are ready to lend a hand!
In this article, we'll explore the top AI-powered assistants that make you more productive, and help you chase that work/life balance that always seems tantalizingly out of reach.
We’ll cover:
Time to get started!
AI-powered virtual assistants are software agents that can understand voice commands or text and respond to your questions.
Think huge household names like Siri, Alexa, or Cortana - but even more specialized, and not just limited to household chores. These AI assistants use natural language processing to understand exactly what you're asking, and machine learning to get smarter over time.
While virtual assistants can't (yet) match human intelligence, they can take on a huge variety of tasks to make your work and home life easier.
Now, it’s not just about scheduling a meeting, setting a reminder, getting the weather forecast, or playing your favorite song; a virtual assistant can even automate repetitive business processes or personalize your shopping experience.
It’s important to remember that no two AI systems are alike, but most leading AI systems use personalization and third-party integrations so you can connect all your go-to services.
Here are a few things that you’ll need to keep in mind before you choose an AI-powered virtual assistant. If your choice checks some of these boxes, you’re good; if it checks them all, you’re golden.
Let’s take a look:
Does it integrate with your stuff? Look for an assistant that integrates with the software and devices you already use, like email, calendars, and project management tools. The more integrated, the more useful.
Is it easy to customize? The best assistants are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor which tasks and functions they handle based on your needs. The best even learn your preferences over time.
Do they protect your information? Make sure any assistant you go with puts a high priority on security and privacy. Check if data is encrypted and how information is collected/used.
Does it even understand what you’re saying? An assistant should understand natural, conversational language (duh!). You shouldn't have to memorize rigid commands like you’re talking to an android out of a 1980s sci-fi thriller.
Does it get better the more you use it? Look for an assistant backed by a company dedicated to regular updates, improvements, and new features. AI tech is always moving forward (and fast), and you'll want an assistant that keeps up.
In just a few short years, AI virtual assistants have become incredibly sophisticated and useful.
We’ve rounded up the options that are making a huge difference in 2024 – and most likely beyond.
They are:
Lindy brings a huge change to your scheduling and calendar management with AI-powered virtual assistants, each specialized in different tasks. You can effortlessly instruct these assistants (each called a “Lindy”) in simple language for specific needs.
Picture a scenario where your Mood Lindy assistant harmoniously collaborates with your Business Meeting Lindy, allowing you to schedule your business meetings according to your mental health.
This collaborative effort between the virtual assistants pretty much guarantees an intelligently organized routine, harmonizing your work commitments with personal priorities.
Lindy is not just an assistant, it’s an army. This state-of-the-art virtual assistant creates small versions of itself called Lindys, which can then take on as many sub-tasks as you need.
What can it do?
Who is it for?
Pricing: From just $99/month, Lindy is a very affordable solution for those looking for a comprehensive AI assistant that can scale into pretty much anything you need.
Clara is an AI-powered virtual scheduling assistant that connects seamlessly to your work calendar (Google, Office 365 or Outlook) and helps keep it organized.
What can it do?
Who is it for?
Pricing:
Wally is an AI-powered virtual assistant with a chipper, upbeat personality – more of an AI companion.
Wally aims to be helpful yet casual, keeping things lighthearted, to brighten your day with friendly banter, humor, and encouragement.
What can it do?
Who is it for?
Pricing:
Replika is an AI-powered therapeutic chatbot app designed to be your personal assistant and friend. Like Wally, it’s an AI companion, but Replika is even more customizable.
Replika can:
Who is it for:
Replika can be there for you if you’re lonely, need a friend, or need emotional support.
Anyone who would like to enjoy engaging, friendly conversation about various topics.
Pricing:
Aivo is an artificial intelligence-based customer service platform. As it’s now customary, it uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand questions from customers and provide fast, accurate responses.
What can it do?
Who is it for?
Aivo is ideal for companies that want to reduce wait times, increase customer satisfaction, and lower support costs.
That includes:
Pricing
Starts at $399/month for up to 50,000 monthly interactions. Volume discounts are available for higher usage.
Of course, there are free virtual assistant options available!
Two of the most popular free AI assistants are Claude and BraveLeo.
Claude is an open-source AI assistant created by Anthropic, PBC to be helpful, harmless, and honest. It can do basic virtual assistant tasks like answering questions, taking notes, setting reminders, and more.
BraveLeo is a free AI assistant built right into your browser. You can chat with Leo about the content of any webpage, get answers, or even full summaries!
While the capabilities of free AI assistants are more limited than paid options, they can still offer plenty of help.
Next time you’re feeling pressured by the amount of work and day-to-day tasks on your plate, don’t say we weren’t there to help you out!
Any of these AI virtual assistants can be a great choice if you’re looking to lighten the load, have a friend to talk to, explore new professional opportunities, or all of the above.
Now, it’s just time to embrace the tech boom, give AI a chance, and start living a life where doing more feels like doing less.
