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Assistant Overview & Types

Learn about AI assistants and choose the right type for your business needs.

What is an Assistant (Agent)?​

An Assistant is your AI-powered helper that talks to customers on your behalf. It has a name, personality, and can communicate through text or voice depending on the type you choose.

Key Features:

  • Personality - Give it a name and communication style
  • Intelligence - Powered by advanced AI models
  • Communication - Handles customer conversations automatically
  • Availability - Works 24/7 without breaks

Assistant Types​

Choose the type that matches how you want to communicate with customers.

Assistant Types Overview

Chat Assistant​

Text-based communication only

What it does:

  • Responds to typed messages from customers
  • Handles website chat conversations
  • Sends and receives SMS messages
  • Manages email interactions

Best for:

  • Businesses that primarily use text communication
  • Detailed customer support requiring written responses
  • Sharing links, documents, and formatted information

Voice Assistant​

Voice-based communication only

What it does:

  • Answers phone calls from customers
  • Conducts spoken conversations
  • Handles voice chat on websites
  • Provides audio responses

Best for:

  • Phone-based customer service
  • Quick verbal interactions
  • Businesses focused on voice communication
  • Accessibility for customers who prefer talking

Both text and voice communication

What it does:

  • Handles both typed and spoken conversations
  • Works across all communication channels
  • Adapts response format to match customer's method
  • Provides complete communication coverage

Best for:

  • Most businesses (recommended choice)
  • Maximum customer convenience and flexibility
  • Comprehensive customer support
  • Future-proofing your communication strategy

Why We Recommend Unified Assistant​

Simplicity​

  • One assistant handles everything - No need to manage separate text and voice systems
  • Single configuration - Set up once, works everywhere
  • Easier maintenance - Update one assistant instead of multiple

Customer Flexibility​

  • Customer choice - Let customers communicate how they prefer
  • Seamless experience - Same assistant personality across all channels
  • No limitations - Customers aren't restricted to one communication method

Business Benefits​

  • Cost effective - One assistant covers all needs
  • Future ready - Add new communication channels easily
  • Consistent branding - Same assistant voice across all interactions
  • Scalable solution - Grows with your business needs

Technical Specifications​

Provider Options​

  • Google (Recommended for Unified Assistants)
  • OpenAI (Alternative option)
  • Google: gemini-2.5-flash-live (recommended)
  • OpenAI: Use suggested model for your account

Language Support​

  • Primary: English (United States)
  • Additional languages available based on provider capabilities

Voice Options​

  • Default: Aoede - female voice
  • Multiple voice characteristics available for customization

Getting Started​

Quick Decision Guide​

Choose Unified Assistant if:

  • You want maximum flexibility (recommended for most businesses)
  • Customers might prefer different communication methods
  • You plan to use multiple communication channels
  • You want the simplest setup and management

Choose Chat Assistant if:

  • You only plan to use text-based communication
  • Your business model focuses exclusively on written interactions
  • You have specific requirements for text-only operations

Choose Voice Assistant if:

  • You only plan to use voice-based communication
  • Your business focuses exclusively on phone interactions
  • You have specific requirements for voice-only operations

What Happens Next​

After choosing your assistant type:

  1. Configure your assistant - Set name, provider, and model
  2. Create roles - Define what your assistant knows and does
  3. Connect channels - Add communication methods for customers
  4. Test and launch - Verify everything works before going live

Best Practices​

Naming Your Assistant​

  • Use real names - "Sarah", "Mike", "Alex" work well
  • Consider your brand - Match your company's personality
  • Keep it professional - Avoid technical names or codes
  • Make it memorable - Customers should easily remember the name

Configuration Tips​

  • Start with recommended settings - They're optimized for performance
  • Use recommended models - Best balance of capability and cost
  • Choose appropriate language - Match your primary customer base
  • Test voice settings - Ensure they sound professional and on-brand

Ready to create your assistant? Choose Unified Assistant for the most flexible and comprehensive solution that grows with your business needs.