Apple’s integration of the virtual assistant, voice recognition program, Siri, thrilled old and new iPhone users around the globe. Although past imitators tried to match the functionality of the Nuance-licensed and Apple-integrated programme, none reached the sheer brilliance of operation that Siri has claimed.

Until now. Mostly.

True Knowledge created … or birthed … their voice recognition/virtual assistant program called Evi. Evi may not have as realistic voice as Siri right now, and it still lacks the inward-bound integration with some of the organizer programmes or the calendar programme. Evi can’t, for example, make an appointment for you the way Siri can and mark it on your calendar or reminders.

But one distinct set of advantages Evi does have, and whether taken individually or collectively, those advantages are big ones.

Evi has passed comprehension tests that provide answers – actual responses – to some complex questions at which Siri has balked, kicking users into a web search instead.

Evi is not tethered to a particular model phone or line of smartphones: So long as the operating system is compatible, you can download Evi onto your Samsung mobile, your Sony mobile, your LG, HTC or other maker’s handset.

So far, Evi is available for iOS and Android mobile phones. Android users, please note, though, that the Android version is still in beta mode: It’s still in the testing and tweaking stage, so be patient if you find a glitch. Odds are, True Knowledge already has it on their To Do list. Feel free to let them know you found it, though, just in case. Just give them as comprehensive a list of information you can.

The server load on downloads has been sporatic: Sometimes, the app downloads in a snap; at other times, you have to try more than once to connect. Can’t fight user demand with a whole lot of effectiveness; their servers have high capacity – it’s just a matter of user timing.

Will Evi become available for Windows 7 mobiles? Probably, and that availability is probably not too far in the future either! Evi might park herself on Google TV, in a Windows Calendar program or just about any-mobile-where she can find a user or user function she likes!

Now that’s adaptability!