Alexa Skills vs. Google Actions
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence-powered voice assistants have dramatically changed the way we interact with technology. Rather than typing on keyboards or clicking around screens, we can use voice commands to access a vast array of digital services. Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant are the two most prominent voice assistants in the market, and they are continuously improving their services to better suit users' needs. In this blog post, the Flare Compare Team compares the Alexa Skills and Google Actions in terms of available skills, user interface, and device integration.
Available skills
At the time of writing, Alexa has over 140,000 skills available worldwide 1. On the other hand, Google Assistant, or more precisely, Google Actions, has around 7,000 actions available in the United States 2. It is worth mentioning that Google categorizes actions on its website, which can make it easier to find specific actions.
User interface
Both Amazon and Google have designed their voice assistants to provide specific and straightforward user experiences. However, Amazon has a more straightforward approach. As soon as you wake Alexa, it is ready to listen to your request. On the other hand, Google Assistant has more integrated features. Google's new interface changes the home screen to a more visual form, offering suggestions or ideas for things that are often utilized by the user. This feature helps users see new features or activities that they might be interested in, but that they might not have been aware of before.
Device Integration
Alexa has partnered with over 7,000 other brands to create compatible smart home devices that can be connected to the user's speakers or other devices. Amazon's smart home ecosystem is also compatible with third-party products such as door locks or security systems. Google Assistant, on the other hand, can connect to devices compatible with Google Nest 3. Furthermore, Google's voice assistant can utilize Google services to answer user requests, such as Google Maps and Google Photos.
Conclusion
Alexa and Google Assistant are fantastic voice assistants that are continuously improving. Both Alexa Skills and Google Actions offer an array of features that can't be found elsewhere. In general, Alexa skills provide more options for users than Google Actions. However, Google Assistant might be more appealing to users who prefer visual cues, as Google has enhanced its interface for this reason. In the end, it comes down to the individual's preference for the user interface and device integration.