A virtual assistant is an artificial intelligence (AI) or software program designed to perform various tasks for individuals or businesses. A virtual assistant can perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, sending emails, making phone calls, managing social media accounts, and even conducting research. Virtual assistants are typically accessed through a mobile app or website and may use voice recognition technology to communicate with users. Some important milestones in the development of virtual assistants are: - [[Apple Siri (2011)]] - [[Amazon Alexa (2014)]] - [[Microsoft Cortana (2014)]] - [[Google Assistant (2016)]]