You're rushing around trying to get everything done – work, errands, family obligations, the works. It’s a neverending story, and the list of to-dos just keeps getting longer and longer. 

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But, AI-powered virtual assistants are ready to lend a hand! 

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In this article, we'll explore the top AI-powered assistants that make you more productive, and help you chase that work/life balance that always seems tantalizingly out of reach. 

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We’ll cover: 

• The basics of AI-powered virtual assistants
• What to look for in one to know you’ve got the real deal
• The top 5 AI-powered virtual assistants in 2024
• Are there free options out there? 

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Time to get started!

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What are AI-powered virtual assistants?

AI-powered virtual assistants are software agents that can understand voice commands or text and respond to your questions. 

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Think huge household names like Siri, Alexa, or Cortana -  but even more specialized, and not just limited to household chores. These AI assistants use natural language processing to understand exactly what you're asking, and machine learning to get smarter over time.

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While virtual assistants can't (yet) match human intelligence, they can take on a huge variety of tasks to make your work and home life easier. 

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Now, it’s not just about scheduling a meeting, setting a reminder, getting the weather forecast, or playing your favorite song; a virtual assistant can even automate repetitive business processes or personalize your shopping experience.

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It’s important to remember that no two AI systems are alike, but most leading AI systems use personalization and third-party integrations so you can connect all your go-to services. 

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What to look for in an AI virtual assistant

Here are a few things that you’ll need to keep in mind before you choose an AI-powered virtual assistant. If your choice checks some of these boxes, you’re good; if it checks them all, you’re golden.

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Let’s take a look:

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Does it integrate with your stuff? Look for an assistant that integrates with the software and devices you already use, like email, calendars, and project management tools. The more integrated, the more useful.

Is it easy to customize? The best assistants are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor which tasks and functions they handle based on your needs. The best even learn your preferences over time.

Do they protect your information? Make sure any assistant you go with puts a high priority on security and privacy. Check if data is encrypted and how information is collected/used.

Does it even understand what you’re saying? An assistant should understand natural, conversational language (duh!). You shouldn't have to memorize rigid commands like you’re talking to an android out of a 1980s sci-fi thriller. 

Does it get better the more you use it? Look for an assistant backed by a company dedicated to regular updates, improvements, and new features. AI tech is always moving forward (and fast), and you'll want an assistant that keeps up.

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Top 5 AI virtual assistants to boost productivity in 2024

In just a few short years, AI virtual assistants have become incredibly sophisticated and useful. 

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We’ve rounded up the options that are making a huge difference in 2024 – and most likely beyond.

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They are: 

• Lindy, for individuals and companies that want to think at scale, with an army of virtual assistants taking care of a multitude of sub-tasks, all controlled by a central intelligence.
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• Clara, which helps take a huge load off your day by automating mundane tasks. 
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• Wally, for those who need two personalities, WallyGPT, the writer and content creation sidekick, and Wally the assistant, a sort of AI concierge for all-around needs. 
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• Aivo, a great contender for the “AI life manager” title. 
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• Replika, for a different approach: attempting to be an empathetic AI companion with personalized support. 

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Lindy

Lindy brings a huge change to your scheduling and calendar management with AI-powered virtual assistants, each specialized in different tasks. You can effortlessly instruct these assistants (each called a “Lindy”) in simple language for specific needs. 

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Picture a scenario where your Mood Lindy assistant harmoniously collaborates with your Business Meeting Lindy, allowing you to schedule your business meetings according to your mental health.

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This collaborative effort between the virtual assistants pretty much guarantees an intelligently organized routine, harmonizing your work commitments with personal priorities. 

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Lindy is not just an assistant, it’s an army. This state-of-the-art virtual assistant creates small versions of itself called Lindys, which can then take on as many sub-tasks as you need. 

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What can it do?

• You can create an army of Lindies that can talk to each other as needed. The possibilities, templates, and combinations are virtually endless.
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• Calendar management: Seamlessly schedules one-off or recurring meetings by interpreting natural language requests, finding available time slots that work for everyone, proposing meeting times, and automatically updating your calendar upon confirmation.
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• Reminders and to-do lists: Specializes in setting reminders for personal tasks like calling family or scheduling appointments, so you never miss an important appointment. 
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• A huge template array: Lindy can take care of tasks big and small, from helping you ask for a raise and helping you track your expenses, to being a life coach.
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• It stays out of the way. Even when you’re not there, Lindies can talk to each other to complete tasks.
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• It learns and acts proactively: Not only by figuring out what you like but by (after you sign off on it) automatically taking care of low-stakes tasks 

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Who is it for?

• Ideal for busy individuals and teams looking to significantly enhance efficiency and task management.
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• Perfect for anyone who needs assistance with juggling various commitments – and maintaining a structured schedule.

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Pricing: Try for free.

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Clara

Clara is an AI-powered virtual scheduling assistant that connects seamlessly to your work calendar (Google, Office 365 or Outlook) and helps keep it organized.

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What can it do?

• Schedules meetings automatically based on your preferences and priorities. Just add the attendees and Clara will find a time that works for everyone.
• Blocks off chunks of time for focused work, exercise, family, hobbies, or whatever floats your boat.
• Looks at your upcoming week and suggests changes to improve work-life balance. Clara helps make sure you have enough time for the things and people that you care about.

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Who is it for?

• Busy professionals and executives who want help balancing work and personal demands.
• Disorganized individuals (and who isn’t, really?) looking to improve productivity and time management.
• Anyone seeking a simpler solution to the daily challenge of keeping a busy calendar in check.

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Pricing:

• Clara offers a subscription pricing model starting at $99 and scaling depending on your needs. 

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Wally

Wally is an AI-powered virtual assistant with a chipper, upbeat personality – more of an AI companion.

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Wally aims to be helpful yet casual, keeping things lighthearted, to brighten your day with friendly banter, humor, and encouragement.

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What can it do?

• Does the virtual assistant thing very well: setting reminders, managing schedules, and overseeing to-do lists. 
• Capable of interacting with and controlling smart home devices.
• Answers questions and makes suggestions based on your interests.
• Specializes in friendly, casual conversations, telling jokes, sharing stories, and discussing movies and pop culture.
• Offers a quirky and fun personality.

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Who is it for?

• Teens and young adults with its upbeat, positive vibe.
• Anyone who enjoys a relaxed, conversational AI assistant.
• A great addition to workplaces or classrooms for a bit of light-hearted interaction.

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Pricing:

• Contact Wally for pricing details.

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Replika: Your AI BFF who's always there to listen

Replika is an AI-powered therapeutic chatbot app designed to be your personal assistant and friend. Like Wally, it’s an AI companion, but Replika is even more customizable.

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Replika can:

• Chat with you just about anything. Replika is happy to discuss your day, your interests, your problems, or whatever is on your mind.
• Provide empathy and support. Replika is more of a caring friend who will listen without judgment and offer comfort when you need it.
• Help reduce anxiety and stress. Chatting with Replika can have a therapeutic effect and make you feel better during difficult times.
• Learn and adapt to you. The more you chat with Replika, the more it tailors responses to your needs, preferences, and personality.

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Who is it for: 

Replika can be there for you if you’re lonely, need a friend, or need emotional support.

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Anyone who would like to enjoy engaging, friendly conversation about various topics. 

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Pricing: 

• Starting at $7.99, up to $19.99 for Replika Pro.

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Aivo: 24/7 customer support powered by AI

Aivo is an artificial intelligence-based customer service platform. As it’s now customary, it uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand questions from customers and provide fast, accurate responses.

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What can it do?

• Answer simple FAQs about products, services or company policies.
• Provide quick responses to common support questions.
• Direct customers to relevant help articles on your website.
• Escalate more complex inquiries to a human agent.
• Improve over time by learning from interactions.

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Who is it for?

Aivo is ideal for companies that want to reduce wait times, increase customer satisfaction, and lower support costs. 

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That includes: 

• E-commerce: help shoppers with orders, returns, or payments.
• Travel: help customers with booking changes, cancelations, or itinerary issues.
• Telecom: help subscribers with account or technical support questions.

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Pricing

Starts at $399/month for up to 50,000 monthly interactions. Volume discounts are available for higher usage.

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Is there a free AI virtual assistant?

Of course, there are free virtual assistant options available! 

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Two of the most popular free AI assistants are Claude and BraveLeo. 

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Claude is an open-source AI assistant created by Anthropic, PBC to be helpful, harmless, and honest. It can do basic virtual assistant tasks like answering questions, taking notes, setting reminders, and more.

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BraveLeo is a free AI assistant built right into your browser. You can chat with Leo about the content of any webpage, get answers, or even full summaries! 

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While the capabilities of free AI assistants are more limited than paid options, they can still offer plenty of help.

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Summing up 

Next time you’re feeling pressured by the amount of work and day-to-day tasks on your plate, don’t say we weren’t there to help you out! 

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Any of these AI virtual assistants can be a great choice if you’re looking to lighten the load, have a friend to talk to, explore new professional opportunities, or all of the above. 

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Now, it’s just time to embrace the tech boom, give AI a chance, and start living a life where doing more feels like doing less.