Google Android gets its own 'Siri', but still a ways to go

Published December 15, 2011 6:07pm

Search giant Google has acquired a company that can potentially produce a digital personal assistant similar to Apple Inc.'s Siri.

But in its present form, the app "Alfred" by newly acquired Clever Sense, may have a long way to go before it can match Siri, tech site Mashable reported.

Mashable said Google confirmed "Alfred" does not have voice-command capabilities, although it can search the Internet and provide users with "recommendations from restaurant suggestions to bar and nightlife options."

"Alfred also learns user preferences and tastes over time to make more targeted recommendations," it added.

On the other hand, Mashable said that while Alfred does not have voice recognition, it could work voice-recognition software for Google's Android.

In this case, Mashable said Alfred "could well be the shell they put around it."

On the other hand, Mashable noted Clever Sense had originally picked out the name Seymour for the app.

“Today, we are excited to join Google and start a new chapter in curating the world around us. Together with the Google team, we will accelerate our efforts toward this shared vision. Google helps local businesses connect with potential customers, and its worldwide presence can bring the value of Clever Sense to a much larger audience,” it quoted Clever Sense as saying.

“Discovering local information is extremely important to both users and businesses, and the acquisition of Clever Sense will benefit both,” it added. — TJD, GMA News

Tags: google, googleandroid, apple, applesiri