A new voice is emerging in the world of AI assistants, but does it truly compete? Duck.ai recently launched a voice chat feature, offering a compelling alternative to established players like ChatGPT and Gemini – and with a unique focus on privacy.
Unlike many AI services, Duck.ai’s voice chat is entirely optional and remarkably accessible. You don’t even need an account to begin a conversation; simply navigate to the Duck.ai portal and initiate a voice exchange. The bot responds instantly, creating a continuous dialogue, allowing for natural interruptions and clarifying questions.
The technology powering Duck.ai’s voice isn’t fully disclosed, though it utilizes an OpenAI model. While the text-based version allows model selection, the voice chat’s underlying engine remains a mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to its performance.
Initial tests reveal a fascinating, yet uneven, experience. When posed with general knowledge questions, Duck.ai holds its own, demonstrating a baseline competency. However, its limitations become strikingly apparent when venturing into current events.
Asking about the upcoming Samsung S26 series highlighted a significant drawback: a knowledge cutoff of 2023. Duck.ai often refused to answer, or offered vague suggestions to consult news websites, a frustrating response from an AI assistant. In contrast, ChatGPT delivered a detailed response, complete with the latest rumors and relevant articles.
The disparity continued when exploring historical topics like the Roman Empire. Duck.ai provided a correct, but sparse, overview, lacking the nuanced details and precise dates offered by ChatGPT. Gemini Live’s response was even more superficial, devoid of meaningful context.
Interestingly, Duck.ai found its footing when discussing learning to code. It mirrored the advice of its competitors, recommending Python and suggesting resources like freeCodeCamp and Harvard’s CS50. Gemini, however, distinguished itself by engaging in a dynamic conversation, tailoring its recommendations based on specific project goals.
Duck.ai’s voice chat presents a compelling trade-off. It’s fast, respects your privacy, and allows for fluid conversation. But its limited knowledge base and inability to provide in-depth answers ultimately hold it back.
For those prioritizing a seamless and comprehensive voice experience, ChatGPT remains the leader. DuckDuckGo’s commitment to privacy is admirable, and users concerned about data sharing can explore temporary or logged-out modes within other platforms to mitigate those concerns.
