Talking to Your Phone – Why Voice Assistants Make Life Easier

Smartphones already do a lot for us, yet many people still stick to tapping and swiping, even when the phone offers another option: simply speaking out loud. Talking to a phone can feel odd at first. It is not something most of us grew up doing, and it can seem unnecessary or even a little awkward. It can feel unnatural, slightly embarrassing, or simply unnecessary. After all, we have managed perfectly well without it for decades. Voice assistants, though, are not about having conversations or pretending your phone is a person. They are simply another way of giving instructions. Think of them as a shortcut rather than a novelty. Once you get past the initial awkwardness, you may find speaking a quick request is often easier than tapping, scrolling, and squinting at a screen.

Everyday Tasks Made Simpler

It is the small, everyday jobs where voice assistants quietly earn their keep. Setting an alarm is a good place to start. Instead of opening the clock app and fiddling with times and buttons, you can say, “Set an alarm for 7am tomorrow,” and move on with your day.

Reminders and timers work the same way. Saying, “Remind me to take the bins out tonight,” or “Set a timer for 15 minutes,” can be quicker and more reliable than doing it manually, especially if you are in the middle of something else.

Sending a text without typing is another surprisingly useful feature. A simple request such as, “Send a text to Mary saying I’m running ten minutes late,” avoids wrestling with small keyboards and unhelpful autocorrect. Even basic questions—asking for the time, today’s date, or tomorrow’s weather—can be answered without unlocking your phone.

Information on Demand

Voice assistants really shine when you want a quick answer without going down an internet rabbit hole. A question pops into your head, and instead of opening a browser and typing it out, you can just ask. “What’s the capital of Canada?” or “How tall is the Sky Tower?” are answered almost instantly.

They are particularly helpful for practical information. Asking, “How long will it take to drive to Tauranga?” or “Is there traffic on the motorway?” can help you plan your day without stopping what you are doing. Looking for a nearby café, pharmacy, or public toilet works the same way.

For curious minds, it can feel like having a pocket reference book. One question often leads to another, and you stay in the moment rather than getting lost in apps and menus.

Hands-Free Convenience

Hands-free use is where voice assistants really come into their own. When you are cooking, gardening, or carrying shopping, stopping to unlock your phone can be inconvenient or messy. Being able to say, “Set a timer for ten minutes,” or “How many millilitres are in half a cup?” keeps things moving.

Voice commands can also be useful when driving. Asking for directions, checking traffic, or sending a short message without taking your eyes off the road can make driving feel calmer and safer. Many cars now work seamlessly with smartphones, allowing voice commands through the car’s audio system.

Even on a walk, a spoken request can be easier than stopping, finding your glasses, and navigating a screen.

Finding and Using Your Voice Assistant

Most smartphones already have a voice assistant built in. If you use an iPhone, it is Siri. On most Android phones, it is Google Assistant. You usually activate it by saying a phrase such as “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google,” or by holding down a side or home button for a moment.

You can also check in your phone’s settings if you are unsure. Look for sections labelled “Siri,” “Voice,” or “Assistant.” Setting it up typically involves reading a few short phrases aloud so the phone learns your voice.

Privacy is a common concern. The good news is you remain in control. You stay in control of a voice assistant. You can choose when it listens, what information it can access, or turn it off altogether. Many people limit it to simple tasks like alarms or weather updates, and ignore the rest. Nothing is compulsory.

A Gentle Place to Start

If all of this still feels slightly uncomfortable, start with something simple and harmless. Asking, “What’s the weather today?” is an easy way to test the waters. There is no special wording required, and nothing bad happens if it does not understand you the first time.

Voice assistants are optional tools, not obligations. Used lightly, they can take some friction out of everyday life.

In the next article in our smartphone series, we will look more closely at one of the most common and genuinely useful features of all: keeping on top of the weather, with updates right there when you need them.