Good personal assistant app w/ good perception? - General Questions and Answers

I'm looking for a good personal assistant app for Android which is fast (or sort-of) and has got good perception. S Voice (and Vlingo on which S Voice is based) are both slow and got relatively bad perception.
Google Now doesn't count because it's no personal assistant. It's more straight-to-the-point fact-based. It's awesome, but it's no chat thingy.

Related

Lifehacker presents Best iPhone apps, here are the Android versions.

source here-
http://lifehacker.com/5432314/most-...l+(Lifehacker)&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher
1. GV Mobile
Brings Google voice function. Limited by required jailbrake and required dial-in on dial out
Android App- Google Voice
fully integrated, no hackery required.
2. Stanza/Kindle
eBook readers
Android app- Wattpad/Adiko/etc/etc/etc
We have about a thousand of em. Not to mention the Nook, a dedicated eink ebook reader running Android.
3. Runkeeper
Jogging/Running/Walking app. Supplants the Nike+ Great app. Ours is better
Android app- Runstar
Looks great, location aware, mulitasks
4. Email & Walk
Really cool app actually. Lays SMS over camera
*Update* We got it! *Update* Android app- Droid Text and Walk
http://www.androlib.com/android.appl...text-xAmw.aspx
5. Dropbox
Native dropbox app. Self-Explanitory
Android app- Sugarsync
Just use it until Dropbox gets on their own app.
6. Cardstar
Uses your reward cards and brings them all together. Nifty.
Android app- Keyring
Autofocusing android cameras make ours much simpler. Easy to use and stable.
7. Skype
Self-explanitory
Android app- printout a search of "voip" on the market. Nail it to a wall, and throw a dart at it. Install that app and you've got integrated Voip.
8. Dragon Dictation
dicates text-to-speech
Android app- *crickets* We have the function of text-to-speech, but dictation? Google search yields nothing. Handscent uses speech recognition though.
9. Epicurious
Recipes, etc.
Android app- We've got recipe apps. I'll probably never use em, but we got em!
10. gCalwalllite
Displays calendar and time info on the wallpaper
Android app- Widgets.
The final two are Push notifications and tethering. We do that easily enough, push better and tethering worse simply because we have to root to do it.
If you guys think of anything I missed let me know.
Quick, concise, useful. Good info Wii60.
Actually there is a Skype beta app in the app-store now.
The PDA Net app allows USB and wireless tethering with out rooting your phone.
I would also put MyTracks + Twidroid integration up against any of their running/walking/hiking apps.
there used to be a text to speech notepad, i doubt its gone....
This is for #4....
Droid Text N' Walk
http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-gmail-tianjianyong-walkandtext-xAmw.aspx
#8:
The Nexus fw supports speech-to-text.
have a look at the engadget review, there's a video of it.
Handcent already incorporates google speech recognition software for Speech-to-Text SMS so you can respond to a text while driving. What else would dictation be good for? From what I read, Dragon is a speech to text notepad that you then have to cut and paste into the app you're using. Pain in the ass compared to Handcent!

Any way to add custom voices to Google Navigation?

I just started to use the Google Navigation since rooting and using MikFroyo and I prefer it over the Telenav app. The only thing I do not care for is the voice in the program.
Is there any way to add/change the voice on the Google Navigation app to something else a little more enjoyable or appealing?
Thank you,
Whiteice
svox classis is a free install, but the voices cost 2 or 3 bucks. i use the female great britain voice. i think you can listen to samples of them through svox, but i'm not positive.
edit: demos on their website : http://svoxmobilevoices.wordpress.com/demos/
install svox. buy a voice. set everything up under settings>voice input and output. google navigation will then be in whatever voice you set up.
sweet
Thanks, I can't stand the native robot annoyance. Dark lord from svox is hilarious btw
Why does everyone bypass the Q & A section,this is for themes and apps,not questions.

Great idea for android app! KITT instead of Siri (or Iris and so on)!

Hey Devs!
I had a really great idea for a new app: what about making an app like Siri or Iris or Vlingo etc. in complete Knight Rider KITT Style?!
Of course the app should have the original looking red graphic animation, that moves when KITT is speaking and it should have a real voice output when answering questions, just like Siri but only with KITT like voice.
Is it possible to make this?
What do you think?
To my opinion, an app like this would be awesome, there are still many Knight Rider Fans out there!
Nice idea
Actually like the idea.
Good luck.
Regards.
The amount of money necessary to get ahold of enough server power and programmers to get even a fraction of siri's functionality would be enormous. Apple is a multi billion dollar company... Its nigh impossible for independent programmers and such to really keep up with them. Its a nice idea though
Sent from my SHW-M250S using xda premium
Don't get me wrong, i just had the idea, i'm no developer, so i can't do it myself.
cliffahn said:
The amount of money necessary to get ahold of enough server power and programmers to get even a fraction of siri's functionality would be enormous. Apple is a multi billion dollar company... Its nigh impossible for independent programmers and such to really keep up with them. Its a nice idea though
Sent from my SHW-M250S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone can search google using the correct api's. Independant programmers have built the basis for what we today know as "Android OS". This is quite possible, with quite a few virtual assitants availble in market for android. There are even cloud based servers available for free, so this is entirely possible. Specially when you look at the boys who are porting android to devices like the htc tytn ii/htc vogue etc
I found a very cool application (but too slow) can be an answer for you it is called voice actions , the voice is name jeanny but you can change the name to be KITT
I did it before reading your post !
Its possible, I'm not sure about the voice though, you would have to create it and make it Androids default voice because all the virtual assistant use Google API's, You could do it different, but its a cool idea.
Mr. Feeny's voice in my phone? Yes please.
Whenever I'm about to make a bad decision, it must say "Michael, wait..."
It's a great idea, but I would expand on that.
Firstly, the application should be modular. Siri is limited and lame. There's so many things I'd like it to be able to do though. This way you can use add ons to expand it's abilities. Maybe allow KITT to interface with my car, or updates from Facebook, and etc.
Secondly, make it able to get more then one voice. KITT is a wonderful idea, but there's a lot of voices I'd also like to hear. GlaDos from Portal, Hal from A Space Odyssey, or even Bender from Futurama.
Well, it could be narrowed down a bit. If the user says "What is ..." then, perhaps, Wolfram what they're asking for?
If they're trying to text or call someone, that also doesn't require a server owned by the creator...
It's not 100% foolproof, but it could be a good start.

Forget about S-Voice, Speaktoit Assistant App, is Prettier, Better and Easy to Score

Forget about S-Voice, the Speaktoit (Speak To It) Assistant App, is Prettier, Faster, Better and Easier to Score
Named on of the "Top 10 Apps for Android Phones" by the New Your Times .... Runs on Android 2.1 or higher ... No need for Root (runs on UnRooted devices)
FROM PC WORLD REVIEW:
" Speaktoit Assistant is a virtual buddy for your Android device that uses natural language technology to answer questions, find information, and connect you with various web services, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and many others. .....The Assistant works with your smartphone to get maps, search for news and images, look up weather reports, convert currency and measurements, send email, and much more. .....No need to memorize special commands or complex interfaces - simply speak or type in everyday language and the Assistant will understand and respond with what you need. ... If you want a Siri-like app on your 'droid, this is one of your better options. " PC WORLD
------------
------------ Also, Check Out This Video Review
I downloaded S-Voice over a week ago. I was somewhat impressed, but kept running into a number of problems.
So I continued researching. I tried Vlingo, and number of other voice assist apps.
After all this, I've come to the conclusion the Speaktoit Assistant App is the best.
Give it a try, I think you will like it. Especially, if you have been frustrated witht he crippled functionality of S-Voice so far.
So for now, I say "Forget about S-Voice, the Speaktoit Assistant App, is Prettier, Faster, Better and Easier to Score"
(( I like the Pretty Girl Avatar. If you don't like pretty girl avatars, you can change it to a Dude, or even a Microphone ))
The current version of Speaktoit Assistant App is ver 0.4
Available at Google Play Store: HERE
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...SwyLDEwOSwiY29tLnNwZWFrdG9pdC5hc3Npc3RhbnQiXQ..
Also Available at these Alternate download Sites:
http://depositfiles.com/files/cmcpkyctz
http://www.crocko.com/C7BAE4FC3C2C4B59BA261F04DCA2559E/Speaktoit_Assistant_v0.4.apk
http://www5.zippyshare.com/v/10988789/file.html
http://apk-apps.blogspot.com/2012/04/speaktoit-assistant-v039-apk-app.html
https://rapidshare.com/#!download|6...k|2064|R~3C809F63ABD604A919E81E58A725D8E9|0|0
http://www.crocko.com/C7BAE4FC3C2C4B59BA261F04DCA2559E/Speaktoit_Assistant_v0.4.apk
Google Search: http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Speaktoit+Assistant+v0.4&btnG=Search+Now
+1
Been using Speaktoit Assistant for a looong time
That's why I always laugh a little when someone mentions Siri or S-Voice
Speaktoit craps on them both
I guess you should post some more info about that apk
Just remember that the leaked S-Voice isn't a finished product.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I haven't used this one yet because the UI is hideous.
"Prettier" - I'm sorry, what..?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
....
....
DirgeExtinction said:
Just remember that the leaked S-Voice isn't a finished product.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither is Speaktoit.. it's a work in progress and it does fantastic. It's in the market for free, try it if you want to see for yourself. IMO, works way better than Siri, and my friends who have the iPhone agree..
You can change the avatar to be an microphone icon and use your background
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
I will concur, this is a great app.
FJ pimped my pride
1) That's the problem with applications being grabbed from a phone that hasn't hit the market yet and run on phones that aren't "officially" supported - somehow people still blame the developers.
2) Tell me if you understand these questions....
What is David Wright's career batting average?
What time is Grimm on tv?
Once a Voice Assistant can understand questions like that I will call it "useful". To me, all these programs are still in development stage. I've tried all of them (except S Voice) and they are all limited to pre-programmed commands and hit-or-miss some very simple everyday questions.
njmsmith said:
1) That's the problem with applications being grabbed from a phone that hasn't hit the market yet and run on phones that aren't "officially" supported - somehow people still blame the developers.
2) Tell me if you understand these questions....
What is David Wright's career batting average?
What time is Grimm on tv?
Once a Voice Assistant can understand questions like that I will call it "useful". To me, all these programs are still in development stage. I've tried all of them (except S Voice) and they are all limited to pre-programmed commands and hit-or-miss some very simple everyday questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, but Speaktoit still outperforms the alternatives...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Best vlingo by far. Once navigation is back, it will be my daily driver.
FJ pimped my pride
ingenious247 said:
Neither is Speaktoit.. it's a work in progress and it does fantastic. It's in the market for free, try it if you want to see for yourself. IMO, works way better than Siri, and my friends who have the iPhone agree..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but where does Speaktoit get its information from? Both S-Voice and Siri get their info from Wolfram Alpha.
I'm waiting for Google's Assistant, aka Project Majel, to hit. I'm sure the Nexus devices will be among the first to get a taste. Instead of using Wolfram Alpha, Assistant will use Google's own search engine and their new Knowledge Graph.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
DirgeExtinction said:
Yeah, but where does Speaktoit get its information from? Both S-Voice and Siri get their info from Wolfram Alpha.
I'm waiting for Google's Assistant, aka Project Majel, to hit. I'm sure the Nexus devices will be among the first to get a taste. Instead of using Wolfram Alpha, Assistant will use Google's own search engine and their new Knowledge Graph.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you can just download the Wolfram Alpha app.
Customize Your SpeakToIt Avatar to your Personal Likes
Customize Your SpeakToIt Avatar to your Personal Likes
Wow, I just discovered that you can go into Settings and Customize your avatar.
I managed to enhance my already pretty avatar by changing her hair, eyes, lips, nose, etc.
Now when she speaks to me, I understand her in a more personal way.
You can also Build you own avatar,
Change You Avatat's Body, Hair, Brows, Eyes, Glasses, Nose, Mouth, Clothes
Change your avatar's Voice, FemaleUSA, MaleUSA, FemaleUK, MaleUK
Change your avatar's background.
You can also change your Te3xtToSpeech Engine - Google or Pico or Samsung (if installed)
I'm having fun with this SpeakToIt voice assistant app.
To be honest, im looking forward to utter since it seems to have the best functionality overall
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1508195
Probably common knowledge but I found if funny...
Sent from my R800i using XDA
App design is like a cartoon! Maybe if it was made more professional looking, I could use it. Now it is just a toy trying to ride on Siri's popularity. I would rather use Galaxy S voice. Even though it sucks. These days looks go hand in hand with performance.

Assistant on Pixel compared to Siri on iPhone?

So what are your opinions on the Assistant on Pixel compared to Siri on iPhones?
Does googles AI backed Assistant steal the thunder?
Dude, have you been living on another planet for the past few years and just landed back on earth? Siri is a joke. Google Now is miles ahead. No one knows about google assistant yet, supposedly is better than Google Now.
I heard little about Google's Assistant and decide to search on google to gather more information about Assistant and finally I reach on one blog which gives detail info about the comparison of Google's Assistant with Siri and Alexa.
I am a newbie on Xda forums so I can't insert the link in my reply. But, I am telling you a name of the site and the name of the topic on that site which you have to open.
Site :- technologyreview.com
Topic :- Google’s Assistant Is More Ambitious Than Siri and Alexa
Google now was miles ahead, the new assistant is now light-years ahead. The assistant is just Google Now + AI. In all seriousness, Siri is a joke.lol. All the thunders been with Google search from the beginning, Siri was gimick.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
SaurabhAnand said:
I heard little about Google's Assistant and decide to search on google to gather more information about Assistant and finally I reach on one blog which gives detail info about the comparison of Google's Assistant with Siri and Alexa.
I am a newbie on Xda forums so I can't insert the link in my reply. But, I am telling you a name of the site and the name of the topic on that site which you have to open.
Site :- technologyreview.com
Topic :- Google’s Assistant Is More Ambitious Than Siri and Alexa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link, its a good read: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602550/googles-assistant-is-more-ambitious-than-siri-and-alexa/
Siri isn't so much not in the same league as Google's voice search and Assistant, it's not even playing the same game. The lack of contextual awareness and inconsistent fallback behaviour (will it offer to do a web search? Will it just say it doesn't understand?) really let Siri down.
hyperspacey said:
Siri isn't so much not in the same league as Google's voice search and Assistant, it's not even playing the same game. The lack of contextual awareness and inconsistent fallback behaviour (will it offer to do a web search? Will it just say it doesn't understand?) really let Siri down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to mention Apple's piss poor voice recognition. Google nailed very accurate voice recognition and Apple still struggles with it. In fact, google even does contextual voice recognition and its miles ahead of Apple. i.e., I recently voice searched for "Mary Brigh hospital" and google first recognized it as "Mary Bright" but quickly corrected itself since it knew where I was, and knew that there is a "Mary Brigh" near me. It also does it regularly when I search for specific hotels or POIs near me. Smart stuff.
I ask Siri "How late is Family Video open tonight?" Siri response "I could not find you that answer", or something like that. I ask Google "How late is Family Video open tonight?" Google response "Family Video is open until 10:00pm."
I ask Siri, "Call Family Video." Response: "I have two Family Videos, one on this street and one on that street. Would you like me to call the one on this street?" I ask Google, "Call Family Video." Response: "Calling Family Video."

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