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I often hear users interchanging chatbots with virtual assistants or voice-assisted bots, but are they the same?
When we talk about “conversational interface,” we mean two very different interfaces: text conversation and voice conversation. Every day, users interact with chatbots via both interfaces, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. What are the key differences and similarities between voice chatbots and messenger chatbots, and which is best for your chatbot?
What is a voice-assisted bot?
Voicebot is a voice channel for communication that uses artificial intelligence and natural language understanding (NLU) to convert audio to text format. The AI technology assists in identifying key markers in speech and determining the best response to dialogue.
The text to speech (TTS) engine converts the response into audio or voice to complete the interaction. These bots have been trained to complete the entire speech comprehension and response process in a near-human manner.
They are also known as voice assistants or voice chatbots. The voice assistant is an intelligent mode of communication that can be easily integrated into various customer service devices such as IVR, chatbots, self-service, etc.
What is a Chatbot?
Like a voice-assisted bot, a chatbot is an artificial intelligence software that can necessarily stimulate a chat or a conversation with users in natural human language. Instead of a voice, chatbots use text messages. Conversational AI also ensures that the experience provided by the chatbot is as close to human as possible.
The chatbot can be easily integrated into websites, messaging apps (such as Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, WeChat, and Slack), mobile apps, and kiosks. These bots play an important role in simplifying human-computer interaction and are thus highly beneficial in customer interactions with businesses, providing a high level of engaged self-service.
RELATED: What will be the future of conversational AI?
Text-based Chatbot vs. Voice-assisted Chatbot
The primary distinction between a text-based chatbot/messenger and a voice-activated chatbot is how we interact with them. A text-based chatbot can be found on various messaging platforms and allows users to interact with them through text or button presses.
A voice-activated chatbot, on the other hand, works differently. It responds to user queries with pre-recorded responses and text-to-speech responses.
Both of these types of bots have some important similarities and differences. The choice between the two interfaces is heavily influenced by the purpose and settings for a chatbot’s use.
Another major difference between a chatbot and a virtual assistant is accessibility. Unless voice chatbots are available on a user’s phone or computer, interacting with them necessitates the purchase of a new smart speaker device.
A messenger chatbot may appeal to users because they can start chatting with it right away on their phones.
Summary
The best interface for your bot is determined by its use case. Consider whether a screen is essential for your user experience. Consider where and when the user will invoke the bot. A voice-activated chatbot is ideal for someone who is driving, jogging, or otherwise busy. Which interface is best for you should be evident once you understand your audience and the context of their relationship with the chatbot.
