Apple's iPhone 6s to feature always-on 'Hey Siri' functionality, source says
Ahead of tomorrow's special event, AppleInsider has learned that Apple's iPhone 6s will boast always-on "Hey Siri" voice activation, meaning users can invoke the virtual assistant even when their device is unplugged.
Referred to as "hotwording," the upcoming iPhone 6s function will work much like Android's "OK Google" service, which enables hands-free Web searches, message composition, voice calls, control of general device functions and more, according to a reliable source familiar with the matter. Apple's Siri provides similar capabilities, but the device must be connected to a power for "Hey Siri" voice activation to work.
Functionally, the new "Hey Siri" command works in a similar fashion to its iOS 8 forebear, meaning it can be invoked from anywhere within iOS, the source said. For example, users writing an email or iMessage might use "Hey Siri" to check Calendar dates or find a nearby restaurant.
It is not currently known if Apple accomplished the feat completely in software, but current iOS 9 beta versions do not support unplugged "Hey Siri" functionality. Certain Android handsets that support the always-on "OK Google" feature use a specialized voice activation monitoring chip to wake the device from sleep without significantly impacting battery life, suggesting Apple built in compatibility on the hardware level.
The addition is not surprising considering Apple Watch's voice-activated Siri solution. Although Watch's version is not perpetually monitoring for keywords, owners of the device can invoke Siri by raising their wrist and repeating the "Hey Siri" command.
As announced in June, Siri comes greatly enhanced in iOS 9 with contextual "Siri Suggestions," proactive search services, deep searches, sports and weather integration and more. The big story is contextual processing of data to facilitate smarter operation. For example, a user reading an email might tell Siri, "Remind me about this tonight," and the virtual assistant will generate a reminder accordingly.
Apple is expected to release its next-generation iPhone models and new Apple TV hardware at a special event in San Francisco tomorrow. AppleInsider will be providing live, on-the-scene coverage from inside the venue starting at 10 a.m. Pacific.
Referred to as "hotwording," the upcoming iPhone 6s function will work much like Android's "OK Google" service, which enables hands-free Web searches, message composition, voice calls, control of general device functions and more, according to a reliable source familiar with the matter. Apple's Siri provides similar capabilities, but the device must be connected to a power for "Hey Siri" voice activation to work.
Functionally, the new "Hey Siri" command works in a similar fashion to its iOS 8 forebear, meaning it can be invoked from anywhere within iOS, the source said. For example, users writing an email or iMessage might use "Hey Siri" to check Calendar dates or find a nearby restaurant.
It is not currently known if Apple accomplished the feat completely in software, but current iOS 9 beta versions do not support unplugged "Hey Siri" functionality. Certain Android handsets that support the always-on "OK Google" feature use a specialized voice activation monitoring chip to wake the device from sleep without significantly impacting battery life, suggesting Apple built in compatibility on the hardware level.
The addition is not surprising considering Apple Watch's voice-activated Siri solution. Although Watch's version is not perpetually monitoring for keywords, owners of the device can invoke Siri by raising their wrist and repeating the "Hey Siri" command.
As announced in June, Siri comes greatly enhanced in iOS 9 with contextual "Siri Suggestions," proactive search services, deep searches, sports and weather integration and more. The big story is contextual processing of data to facilitate smarter operation. For example, a user reading an email might tell Siri, "Remind me about this tonight," and the virtual assistant will generate a reminder accordingly.
Apple is expected to release its next-generation iPhone models and new Apple TV hardware at a special event in San Francisco tomorrow. AppleInsider will be providing live, on-the-scene coverage from inside the venue starting at 10 a.m. Pacific.
Comments
Siri is routinely activated when on the charger by my TV at home and Radio in the car. It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens, responding to a random combination of words that sound like "Hey Siri". I would think at a minimum raise-to-activate would be a good option to have on the phone as well, with the ability to easily access it in the control dock like Airplane mode for when a person wants that functionality.
Having the Okay google on my android is amazing when I am driving. I can't wait for this to come to iPhones. Much safer to drive with. (I refuse to pay ~500 for an after market stereo for carplay/android auto,)
This already exists in car with Siri. Just plug it in, which I would assume the average person does because 1) it's a good time to get that power up going on anything more than 5 minutes, and 2) even using "Okay, Google" while the phone is shoved in your pocket would be a pretty bad experience.
My guess is it's been integrated into the M9 coproceessor.
If it doesn't work with iPhone 6 and its software there will be numerous pissed off people.
I either have to yell out HS, or unlock my phone either with the passcode, or with my finger print scanner and then say HS.
Love my iPhone, but Apple really needs to fix the software bugs. Hopefully iOS 9 fixes this and the battery drainage issue.
I'm running ios latest beta n siri is always on without the charger works for me already n it's always handy
I have the latest beta and you have to have it plugged in.
Then your beta has a problem knowing whether it's plugged in or not because "Hey, Siri" is definitely not a feature when unplugged.
Indeed, the potential for unwanted input to be received is high. As this spreads out across iPhones, it will be interesting to see how the world reacts to it.
Of course this kind of feature already existing on Android is no precedent for anything, as usual.
I'm running ios latest beta n siri is always on without the charger works for me already n it's always handy
No it's NOT. I have the latest version of Beta iOS 9
Great, a bunch of people in a place can have their phones activated by someone yelling "Hey, Siri!" Well, maybe movie theaters can add that before the movie starts so people will their phones still on get called out.
Even better, they just play a loud announcement that says, "Hey Siri, switch to airplane mode."
Moreover, the purely tactile move to press and hold the home button on the phone to activate Siri has zero impact on your driving concentration.
Lol.. I did this to the kids playing games while plugged..
IOS 8 also.. when you leave it on screen
Oh yeah. The "Her" experience.
"Oh Siri, baby. I luv you baby"