* Google Assistant is now available in the App Store
* Google’s voice-activated service will compete with Siri to be your go-to assistant
* Unlike Siri, Google Assistant offers third-party integration
Watch out, Siri, there’s a new voice assistant in town. In a statement we never thought we’d write, Google’s insanely popular Google Assistant app is now available in the iTunes App Store.
While Siri’s still the undisputed king of voice-activated services, Google Assistant has a lot going for it. For starters, it’s able to integrate third-party applications. It’s also generally seen to have a more advanced AI, meaning it’s able to handle more complicated search queries and commands. You can even use the Google Assistant app on your phone to control your home’s smart devices. This is particularly helpful for people who have Google installed at home but own an iPhone.
Unfortunately, due to iOS restrictions, Google Assistant isn’t able to offer the same voice accessibility as Siri. In fact, you have to go an extra step and open a widget in order to bring the virtual assistant to life. Give one point to Siri.
Where Google Assistant could shine, however, is in the fact that it’s able to process both voice and text requests. Unlike Siri, which is entirely voice activated, you can type your queries and commands into the Assistant app. Great for when you’re in bed or for looking something up during a quiet meeting.
Still, with Siri generally regarded as the quintessential voice of Apple, Google’s going to have a tough time converting iPhone users. In the end, choosing between Siri and Google Assistant is like picking between Coke and Pepsi. Both are good, but everyone seems to have a preference.
