Google removed the app "Siri for Android" in the Android Marketplace but users can still use Siri-like features and apps in Android handsets.

A couple of days ago, a number of Android applications masqueraded as official versions of Siri for Android handsets. Siri is the revolutionary voice recognition app of Apple that allows users to make voice commands on their handsets.

One of these apps is the "Siri for Android" and as the name suggests claimed to be the Android version of the iPhone 4S-exclusive app. Aside from the name, the app also sports the same icon of Siri in Apple. The developer made the workings of the app quite transparent, in saying;

Siri, now for your Android device!

This application is a Siri icon that opens "Google's Voice Actions" app.

However, Google finally stepped in and took down the app from the Android Marketplace. The app appears to be in conflict with Google's plans to build their own to rival Siri (codenamed Majel).

It seems that Android users will have to wait a little longer for the official voice recognition app similar to Siri.

However, users can still fake Siri in their handsets with other apps. Voice controls have been available to various smartphones for years. Thus, Android users do not have to switch their phones to have the same feature. Here are some of the apps that can give you a similar service like Siri.

Google Voice Search

The Google Voice Search comes preloaded on the latest version of Android, which can be run by pressing the microphone button on either the software keyboard or from the Google search widget on the homescreen. Unlike Siri, this feature responds to specific voice commands, such as "call [contact name] [phone type]", but these are fairly easy to remember. The standard actions like calling contacts, sending texts or email and listening to music are included, and you can also use it to do things like navigate to a particular location, find out the weather in your suburb, call a business and do a Google search.

Vlingo

Vlingo is another free app that is very similar to Google Voice Search; however, it offers a few extra commands like the ability to update Facebook and Twitter, open specific apps and listen to new messages. You can also change the search engine from Google to Bing or Yahoo, and it includes a unique InCar feature that works with Bluetooth headsets for a completely hands-free experience. You can launch Vlingo by tapping on the app shortcut or adding the Vlingo widget to your homescreen and tapping on the microphone icon.