No. This is not hurting users in the long run. What will hurt is having tens of apps, all having separate voice recognition software. It is correct to have only one. Like it is correct to have only one keyboard. Not tens of different keyborads with every app having his own.
Yes, clearly having choice is confusing and anti-user. That is why the internet with multiple places to buy shoes, multiple place to get news, and multiple place to talk about technical topics is so unsuccessful.
So how many pair of shoes you wear? Two pairs? Really? One the right size and the others, really big ones over them? Really?
The point was, which you clearly missed - there can not currently be two voice assistanst AT THE SAME TIME in use. Googles thing does not replace Siri. If Google had something to replace Siri and Apple blocked it, then yes, that would be anti.
Different shoes have different capabilities. I wouldn't wear hiking shoes to a job interview, but would wear them hiking. Same with apps. Siri might be good at some kinds of voice assistance and Google's offering at others.
So far my previous comment and parent have received in total 8 downvotes.
Were my comments:
1) derogatory or offensive?
2) factually incorrect?
3) off topic and/or did not add to the conversation?
4) without any meaningful content. Ex: "Yes!", "Nice post!", "LOL!", etc?
Really? Really?? What is f..ing wrong with you people?
I beg to disagree. Android allows you to easily install additional keyboards, for people who want to switch to, say, Swype, or to use a different input method for their non-Latin alphabet.
Fair enough, i'd love to only have one keyboard. But if my choice is between a keyboard with 26 letters + num pad, and a keyboard with simply a num pad. I'm more interested in the former. The point is, Apple has a market dominance right now, and is using that advantage to block innovative products from competing with them.
Besides, if the better search is an app, but you desire unification more there is no reason to download the app.