Talking to AI Assistants — Siri, Google, and ChatGPT
Learn how to use voice assistants and AI chat tools to get answers, set reminders, and help with daily tasks.
Start the guide
Start with the first step, try it on your own device, and use the next-step section at the end if you want a clear follow-on guide.
Guide details and who this is for
Guide details
- Published
- February 1, 2025
- Country scope
- Global
Who this is for
Best for people who want a plain-English explanation before trusting a new feature or trend.
Good to know
Try one step at a time on your own device. If something does not look right, stop there and ask for help before guessing.
Before you begin
What this guide helps you do
This guide explains the idea simply, what it can really do, and where the limits or risks usually are.
Best time to use it
Use it when you keep hearing the term and want a calm explanation before trusting hype or fear.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not assume a smart-sounding feature is always accurate, private, or necessary.
Helpful tech words
Open a plain-English term first if you need it
Cloud Computing
Using remote servers accessed over the internet to store, process, and manage data instead of a local computer.
Smart Speaker
A voice-activated speaker that can answer questions, play music, control smart home devices, and set reminders.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A service that helps keep your internet activity private and secure.
Your Built-In Voice Assistant
Your smartphone already has an AI assistant built in — completely free, no setup needed.
Siri (iPhone)
Activate: Press and hold the side button, or say “Hey Siri”.
What you can ask:
- “Hey Siri, call John.”
- “Hey Siri, what time does the nearest clinic open?”
- “Hey Siri, set a reminder for 8pm to take my medicine.”
- “Hey Siri, what is the weather tomorrow?”
- “Hey Siri, how do I say ‘thank you’ in Malay?”
- “Hey Siri, turn on Bluetooth.”
Google Assistant (Android)
Activate: Say “Hey Google” or press and hold the home button.
What you can ask:
- “Hey Google, navigate to the nearest train station.”
- “Hey Google, remind me to call Doctor Tan tomorrow at 10am.”
- “Hey Google, translate ‘good morning’ to Mandarin.”
- “Hey Google, how many calories in a bowl of chicken rice?”
- “Hey Google, play Channel NewsAsia news.”
ChatGPT — a more powerful AI conversation partner
ChatGPT is a free AI chatbot (with a paid option) made by a company called OpenAI. You type questions and have a back-and-forth conversation with it.
How to try it:
- Go to ChatGPT on your browser.
- Create a free account or use it without signing in for a few messages.
- Type your question in the box at the bottom.
Useful things to ask ChatGPT:
- “Explain in simple words what ‘interest rate’ means.”
- “Help me write a message to my landlord in formal English.”
- “What are some easy exercises for seniors with knee pain?”
- “What questions should I ask my doctor about my diabetes medication?”
- “Translate this paragraph to Mandarin for me.”
Important: always verify important information
AI assistants are helpful, but they can make mistakes — especially for:
- Medical advice (ask your doctor)
- Legal and financial questions (consult a professional)
- Current events (check a news website)
- Local rules and regulations (check the relevant official government website)
Think of AI as a helpful but imperfect assistant, not an authority. It is great for explaining concepts, drafting text, and answering general questions.
Using AI safely
- Do not share personal information (national ID, bank details, passwords) with AI chatbots.
- Be aware that free AI tools may use your conversations to improve their models — avoid sharing sensitive personal details.
- If in doubt about health or legal matters, always consult a real professional.
You finished this guide
What do you want to do next?
Move to the next recommended guide if you want a clear progression, or ask a real person if you would rather check before trying something new.