Smartphone helpers like Siri and Cortana have already streamlined travel, appointments, news, and other information.
Now a new line of virtual assistant software aims to do even more.
The new software packages can sort through email or schedule recurring tasks, such as sending reports. Some can remind you to buy office supplies when you are driving near the office store. Others can communicate with staffers and set up appointments for lunch or meetings.
The software aims to replace assistants in the workplace and save time.
Office productivity package Slack includes an artificial intelligence software named Howdy. The program can collect and organize answers to an email question sent to many others. This ability can come in handy if a manager has to request the same report every month from staffers.
Google Now uses location tracking to provide reminders. Tell Google Now you have to pick up milk. When you get near a grocery store, Google Now will remind you.
Another handy software is Amy and Andrew, meeting schedulers. When you sign up for the service, you can copy Amy or Andrew (your choice of personality) on the email. Amy and Andrew will then negotiate times, taking into account your schedule and preferences, according to the Small Business Journal.
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