Top chatbots and voice assistants you should know

A chatbot is a dialogue system that facilitates communication between humans and machines. It allows users to exchange information or issue commands, typically powered by software or artificial intelligence to process and respond to inputs.

Chatbots are used in both personal and professional settings. Depending on the target audience, they are generally categorized into business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-customer (B2C) applications. In this article, we introduce a selection of chatbots and voice assistants from both areas.

B2B Chatbots

The use of chatbots in B2B communication is still in its early stages. Business interactions between companies are largely still handled by people, typically through online text communication.

However, this sector stands to gain significantly from chatbot integration. Chatbots can reduce staffing needs, improve response times, and enhance overall service quality. When linked with systems like CRM platforms, they offer real-time assistance and help automate routine tasks in a business setting.

B2C Chatbots

In contrast, chatbots in B2C environments are already well established. Most consumers are familiar with virtual assistants on smartphones or have interacted with a chatbot during online shopping or customer support.

These systems aim to identify customer needs and provide immediate assistance. If the bot can't help, it typically escalates the issue to a live representative. This dual-layered approach helps companies maintain high service levels while keeping operational costs low.

Do You Know These Voice Assistants?

Alexa

Alexa is Amazon’s voice assistant, commonly used through devices like the Amazon Echo. It offers functions like setting timers, retrieving news, and controlling smart home devices. Alexa can also be expanded with “skills” to support activities such as online shopping and third-party integrations.

Siri

Siri is Apple’s digital assistant, primarily used to control iPhones and other Apple devices. It provides hands-free access to all system functions, making it easy to operate Apple technology through voice commands alone.

Cortana

Cortana is Microsoft’s voice-enabled assistant for Windows. It responds to both voice and text input and can be used for tasks like searching the web, checking news, or reading out weather updates. While no longer a standalone app, its features remain integrated in some Microsoft tools.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant works on both Android and iOS platforms. It allows users to control Google apps like Maps, Calendar, Gmail, and more. It also supports a wide range of smart home commands and productivity features.

Sally

Sally is a voice assistant developed specifically for business environments. It integrates directly with systems such as CRMs, allowing employees to access and enter information like customer data or order details via voice commands. Sally enables hands-free workflow support, mirroring the convenience of consumer-grade assistants but optimized for professional use.