Natural-language user interface

Natural-language search engines - Wikipedia is one of the oldest search engines. - Lexxe closed its search engine services in 2015. - Pikimal used natural-language tied to user preference for search recommendations. - Powerset introduced a tool for searching a fixed subset of Wikipedia using conversational phrases. - Microsoft purchased Powerset in July 2008. - Q-go provides relevant answers to user queries on websites or intranets. - Q-go's technology can process natural sentences or keyword input. - RightNow Technologies acquired Q-go in 2011. - Yebol was a vertical decision search engine. - Yebol developed a knowledge-based, semantic search platform. - Yebol's algorithms automatically clustered and categorized search results. - Yebol integrated natural-language processing and machine algorithms with human knowledge. - Yebol used association, ranking, and clustering algorithms to analyze related keywords or web pages. Examples of natural-language interfaces - Ubiquity is a Firefox add-on that allows users to get information and relate it to webpages. - Wolfram Alpha answers factual queries directly using structured data. - Siri is an intelligent personal assistant application integrated with iOS. - Ask.com supports keyword searching and answers questions in natural language. - Braina is a natural language interface for Windows OS. Challenges - Users may anthropomorphize the computer and have unrealistic expectations. - Challenges include modifier attachment ambiguity. - Conjunction and disjunction in natural-language queries can be ambiguous. - Anaphora resolution is needed to understand self-referential queries. - Speed, efficiency, and localization are important considerations. Uses and applications - Dictation is a common use for automated speech recognition systems. - Command and control systems perform functions and actions on the system. - Telephony systems allow callers to speak commands instead of pressing buttons. - Wearable devices benefit from natural-language interfaces due to limited inputs. - Natural-language interfaces assist people with disabilities in various fields. Related topics - Conversational user interface is a related concept. - Natural user interface is another related concept. - Natural-language programming is a relevant topic. - Voice user interface is also related. - Chatbot is a computer program that simulates human conversations.