Siri voice assistant technology distinguishes iPhone 4S
Apple's acquisition of Siri has resulted in a standout feature for iPhone 4S that promises to change how users interact with mobile devices.
Apple acquired Siri a year and a half ago, and has since worked on integrating the technology into iOS 5.
Siri first appeared as an iOS app, allowing users to ask natural language questions that were analyzed via the company's network service to provide answers ranging from making dinner appointments to buying movie tickets.
The greatly improved processing power of iPhone 4S enables it to do more with Siri, turning the app into a deeply embedded service. Apple has now pulled the Siri app from the App Store, and existing users are being notified that the former Siri app will stop working October 15, after the iPhone 4S arrives.
"I've been replaced!" The app notified existing users today. "The new Siri is even smarter and better looking than me, and waiting for you on the iPhone 4S. I'll be leaving for home Oct. 15th. Until then... how can I help you?"
Apple has incorporated Siri technology into iOS to allow the new iPhone 4S to both access external queries about weather, local businesses, traffic and general information as well as providing hands-free assistance with creating calendar appointments, looking up contacts, setting up timers and location-based reminders, accessing maps or directions, sending emails or texts, or controlling iPod playback.
The functionality of Siri is also integrated with new dictation features that allow iPhone 4S users to write messages by speaking, something that should work in most existing apps anywhere the user can type.
In a video created to demonstrate Siri features, Apple depicts the new feature as working as a greatly embellished version of Voice Command, where users press the integrated mic button or, presumably, double click the Home button.
One user is depicted scheduling appointments while jogging, while another asks for directions hands-free while driving. A woman asks about the weather in another city, and a cook asks for a measurement conversion before requesting Siri to set an alarm timer.
A final segment in the video depicts Siri's integration with iOS accessibility features, showing a blind user getting a verbal text notification that she can then respond to and send entirely by voice commands.
Apple acquired Siri a year and a half ago, and has since worked on integrating the technology into iOS 5.
Siri first appeared as an iOS app, allowing users to ask natural language questions that were analyzed via the company's network service to provide answers ranging from making dinner appointments to buying movie tickets.
The greatly improved processing power of iPhone 4S enables it to do more with Siri, turning the app into a deeply embedded service. Apple has now pulled the Siri app from the App Store, and existing users are being notified that the former Siri app will stop working October 15, after the iPhone 4S arrives.
"I've been replaced!" The app notified existing users today. "The new Siri is even smarter and better looking than me, and waiting for you on the iPhone 4S. I'll be leaving for home Oct. 15th. Until then... how can I help you?"
Apple has incorporated Siri technology into iOS to allow the new iPhone 4S to both access external queries about weather, local businesses, traffic and general information as well as providing hands-free assistance with creating calendar appointments, looking up contacts, setting up timers and location-based reminders, accessing maps or directions, sending emails or texts, or controlling iPod playback.
The functionality of Siri is also integrated with new dictation features that allow iPhone 4S users to write messages by speaking, something that should work in most existing apps anywhere the user can type.
In a video created to demonstrate Siri features, Apple depicts the new feature as working as a greatly embellished version of Voice Command, where users press the integrated mic button or, presumably, double click the Home button.
One user is depicted scheduling appointments while jogging, while another asks for directions hands-free while driving. A woman asks about the weather in another city, and a cook asks for a measurement conversion before requesting Siri to set an alarm timer.
A final segment in the video depicts Siri's integration with iOS accessibility features, showing a blind user getting a verbal text notification that she can then respond to and send entirely by voice commands.
Comments
It better work as shown in the videos or Apple (and it) will become the butt of many, many jokes...
Check out the BBC video.
Looks like it works as advertised.
I do have a desire to browse the Internet on my flat screen TV on my wall which however ATV will not allow.
Check out the BBC video.
Looks like it works as advertised.
Is it outdoors as in a city? On a windy day?
With an ambulance passing? Or a fire engine?
It better work as shown in the videos or Apple (and it) will become the butt of many, many jokes...
I would imagine it will work very well. Generally when Apple rolls out a new feature it works as it's intended. I was going to type "works as advertised", but that's often a bit over the top no matter who's product is being pushed, even Apple's
Having said that, the feature sounds and looks pretty cool, but using it in public? Perhaps not so much. Talking to my GPS, Ford Sync or phone in the privacy of my truck or maybe at home is fine. Not going to happen at work or in other public places. Just kinda dorky IMO.
will it or will it not work on the iPhone 4?
It is iPhone 4S feature. So not available on the iPhone 4.
Is it build into 4GS or into iOS? Will it work with iphone 4 as well? I don't get it.
will it or will it not work on the iPhone 4?
I would like to know the answer to that question as well.
I would like to know the answer to that question as well.
As someone already stated, it will not work with any of the current Apple products no matter if you use iOS5. It's unique to the upcoming iPhone 4s.
Check out the BBC video.
Looks like it works as advertised.
I would imagine it will work very well. Generally when Apple rolls out a new feature it works as it's intended. I was going to type "works as advertised", but that's often a bit over the top no matter who's product is being pushed, even Apple's
Having said that, the feature sounds and looks pretty cool, but using it in public? Perhaps not so much. Talking to my GPS, Ford Sync or phone in the privacy of my truck or maybe at home is fine. Not going to happen at work or in other public places. Just kinda dorky IMO.
I want this to actually work....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZSkvwpBBok
Current Voice Control sucks...
I wonder if Siri will make it to Mac OS Lion.
I am still waiting for iBooks...
The iPad 2 uses the same A5 chip and no doubt its at its full speed more often than in the iPhone 4S, so why doesn't it get Siri?
The iPhone 4S might have more RAM - I don't think they said either way, but voice recognition is RAM intensive. I'd also imagine the 4S has a better mic system with noise cancellation, etc. Of course, it could be Apple is making it 4S exclusive for purely marketing purposes.
It better work as shown in the videos or Apple (and it) will become the butt of many, many jokes...
Even if it does, it's still just a gimmick really. Nothing I want anyway, and I think most of the folks that do want it will have unrealistic expectations of what it can do for them.
I'm still in the seriously underwhelmed camp. There is almost nothing the new iPhone has, outside of perhaps the camera, that I need at all.
I was really hoping for a smaller, cooler looking iPhone to mitigate the fact that it's already more than powerful enough for most peoples needs.
Is it outdoors as in a city? On a windy day?
With an ambulance passing? Or a fire engine?
I demand this software work in absolutely every single fringe case imaginable otherwise I will deem it a complete failure and perpetually make fun of Apple on forums for creating such tripe.
That's you.
Personally, I'm fine with it even if it doesn't work while I'm standing right underneath a tornado siren. But maybe I'm too lenient.