How is an AI assistant different than a virtual assistant?

AI assistants use artificial intelligence to understand context and generate responses to user input; “virtual assistant” typically refers to remote professionals who help with tasks — although these terms may be used interchangeably in some contexts.

Is Siri an AI assistant?

Yes, Siri is an AI assistant for Apple devices. You can activate it by saying “Siri” or “Hey Siri,” then asking it to help with tasks like scheduling a text, finding your parked car, playing music, setting timers and reminders, checking the weather, dimming lights, and more.

Is it safe to use an AI assistant?

AI assistants are generally safe, but you should still avoid sharing sensitive information with them. This helps keep bad actors from identifying you and limits embarrassment in the event of an AI data breach or leak — like when private ChatGPT conversations were temporarily made public.

How are AI assistants trained?

AI assistants learn from massive datasets containing text from books, websites, and other sources, including copyrighted material, which has sparked a backlash from creators. For example, The New York Times is suing OpenAI for using its content without permission.

How do AI assistants personalize browsing experiences?

AI assistants analyze your patterns, search history, and preferences to recommend relevant content, filter results, and customize interface elements. They may also learn from your feedback to improve future suggestions.

What is an AI assistant? Definition and capabilities

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