The rise of generative AI applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot has ushered in a new era of AI interaction, leaving traditional voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant feeling outdated. These advanced chatbots can engage in human-like conversations, answer queries on diverse subjects, and even access real-time information from the internet, rendering their phone-bound counterparts seemingly obsolete. The ChatGPT app, available on both iOS and Android, is a significant step towards replacing the default assistant on these devices. However, OpenAI’s wildly successful chatbot could soon take a leap forward, becoming a true contender to replace Google Assistant on Android smartphones.
ChatGPT’s Potential as a Default Assistant
A recent report by Android Authority revealed that code within the latest version of the ChatGPT Android app suggests it could be configured as the default assistant on an Android device. ChatGPT version 1.2023.352, released last month, includes a new activity called "com.openai.voice.assistant.AssistantActivity". Although this activity is disabled by default, users can manually enable and launch it. Upon launching, it appears on the screen as an overlay, similar to the ChatGPT app’s voice chat mode. Remarkably, this overlay functions over other apps, unlike the in-app voice chat mode. This implies that users could potentially interact with ChatGPT from any screen by invoking this assistant.
While this assistant mode is still under development, it represents a significant shift in the AI assistant landscape. The animation associated with launching the activity is currently incomplete, and the activity terminates before a user can interact with it. The report also notes that the code required for the ChatGPT app to work as a default digital assistant is partially implemented. Essential declarations and metadata tags needed for setting the ChatGPT app as the default assistant are also missing.
The AI Assistant Wars: A New Battlefield
The AI assistant wars on mobile phones are about to intensify, with Google Assistant and Siri scrambling to catch up to modern chatbots. ChatGPT app rolled out its voice chat feature for all free users on Android and iOS in November, effectively enabling the app to function as a voice assistant. However, free ChatGPT users lack access to real-time internet information within the app, meaning they cannot inquire about the latest sports scores or weather forecasts in their city. However, these limitations can be overcome by using the GPT-4 powered Bing app or the new standalone Copilot app from Microsoft, both of which have been launched on Android and iOS.
While Android users currently lack a swift way to access the ChatGPT app with a gesture like the Google Assistant, iPhone 15 Pro users can conveniently bind the app to the dedicated Action Button, enabling them to converse with the chatbot with a single button press. Meanwhile, Google is actively working to integrate its generative AI chatbot, Bard, into Google Assistant. The company also recently announced Gemini, its most powerful AI model to date, designed to compete with OpenAI’s GPT-4 model.
Apple’s Lagging Pace in the AI Assistant Race
In contrast, Apple appears to be lagging behind in the AI assistant race. The iPhone maker is reportedly developing an AI-infused iOS 18, which will likely power the upcoming lineup of smartphones. The default voice assistant on the anticipated iPhone 16 is rumored to receive a significant AI upgrade, with the Siri team reportedly refocusing in Q3 2023 on incorporating large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC).
The emergence of generative AI applications like ChatGPT has sparked a revolution in AI interaction, pushing traditional voice assistants to adapt quickly. Google Assistant and Siri are facing a new challenge, not only from each other but also from the powerful capabilities of modern chatbots. As the competition intensifies, the future of AI assistants on mobile phones will likely be shaped by the successful integration of these advanced AI models, with the user experience at the forefront.
