The Big Three

This aim of this section is to dive deeper into the educational applications of virtual assistants. Although there are many versions of virtual assistants with various purposes (click the links in the drop down menu to explore), there are three that are vastly more popular than the rest. This page serves as an entry point for those who may be unfamiliar with "the big three", and dives into some of the similarities and differences between each that are relevant from an educational standpoint.

Apple's Siri

Built-in Compatibility: Siri is only available on specific Apple products: iPhones, iPads, Apple watch, some Apple headphones, homepods (apples smart speaker), some smart home appliances, some Apple computers, Apple TV, some vehicles.

Relevant Educational Uses: spelling, definitions, calculations, set reminders, create events, flip coin/roll dice, forecast, research, play and identify music, answer subject based questions, timer, translator.

Amazon Alexa

Built-in Compatibility: Alexa app available for download on any modern IOS (iPhone) or Android mobile device (can activate Alexa as assistant), Amazon Echo speakers, many Smart home appliances, many electronic devices, very few vehicles.

Relevant Educational Uses: spelling, definitions, calculations, set reminders, create events, flip coin/roll dice, forecast, research, play and identify music, answer subject based questions, timer, translator, interactive stories, educational games, add "skills" (similar to actions for Google Assistant).

Google Assistant

Built-in Compatibility: Google app available for download on any modern IOS (iPhone) or Android mobile device (can activate Google assistant), Pixel devices (phones, watches, earbuds), Samsung Galaxy 4/5 watches, Google nest speakers/home hub, many smart home appliances, JBL link speakers, NVIDIA Shield tv, sony Bravia tv, some vehicles.

Relevant Educational Uses: spelling, definitions, calculations, set reminders, create events, flip coin/roll dice, forecast, research, play and identify music, answer subject based questions, timer, translator, interactive stories, educational games, add "actions" (similar to skills for Alexa).

Relevant educational uses colour code: Black writing = available on all three smart assistants Blue writing = available on two smart assistants Yellow = exclusive to one smart assistant

If you are unfamiliar with any of the above three, or are just curious about a more detailed comparison, watch either, or both of the videos below.