A virtual assistant is an AI helper, usually built into a phone, speaker or computer, that answers questions and carries out tasks when you speak or type to it.
In plain words
Assistants such as Siri and Alexa take a spoken or typed request, work out what you want, and either answer or act, for example by sending a message or controlling a smart device. Newer versions such as Siri AI are conversational, so you can talk or type naturally. Developers can connect them to more apps and devices; Alexa skills, for instance, work like apps for Alexa.
A quick example
You say 'turn off the kitchen lights and set an alarm for seven'. The assistant turns your speech into text, understands the two requests, switches off the smart lights and sets the alarm, then confirms both.
Where you'll meet it
- Phones, smart speakers and other connected devices.
- Smart-home control and hands-free help.
Related
Sources
- DocsWhat Is Alexa?, Amazon Alexa Developer · read 29 Sept 2026
- DocsApple Intelligence and Siri, Apple · read 29 Sept 2026
Checked by WhatIsAI against the sources above · 29 Sept 2026. Spotted an error? Report it.