Even simple requests fail. I can't remember the actual item, but a few days ago my query was "Hey, Siri <beep beep> Please add a reminder to buy [toothpaste]" and Siri didn't understand the request. I tried repeating it slowly and got the same response. I tried again and Siri pulled up a bunch of web search results. Same thing happened during a simple reminder request a week or so ago.
I think you're making this up. Siri only beeps once.
Sadly, Siri is incredibly frustrating to use. And actually, I think the disappointment is underappreciated (although hyperbole like Apple should ditch it is absurd, and I'm very skeptical that the competition is any better overall). Each failure is relatively minor, so they are difficult to remember, and so people don't point them out. The primary issue with Siri has never been that it's not sophisticated enough (careful roll out of advanced features seems better than amazon's sloppy shotgun/open approach). The main problem is that Siri doesn't to day one functions well, at all.
Outside of a very limited set of things (mostly dictation or reminder/alarm setting) I rarely use Siri because I know/assume it's most likely going to piss me off. Here's a few basic things that Siri should've been able to to a long, long time ago, but still fails at (the ones I managed to remember to take note of):
-lack of contextual conversation. promised on day one, but I've kept a two point contextual conversation only a couple of times since siri's release.
-Siri does not even know how to find info of businesses in maps ffs: "hey siri, get me directions to sundance theater?" (takes me to a city named sundance a hundred miles away or something) "hey siri, get me directions to sundance cinemas" (again, complete failure) "hey siri, get me directions to sundance movie theater" (again, failure) I look up "sundance" on the map and I see the location I'm looking for, titled "Sundance Houston", but listed as a movie theater in the description just below the title. Absurd.
-Siri can't give basic maps guidance: "hey siri, give me directions to ____ on ____ street." Siri us unable to do this, just gives a short list of nearby locations, and not a comprehensive list that includes the further away location (but still in the same city) that I actually need directions to, even when I try asking for more locations, "show me more locations for _____", siri shows same exact gd short list. It seems so unbelievably simple to allow for this direction that hundreds of thousands of people must have tried at some point.
-Lack of geographical awareness when asking siri to search a location in maps: I think everyone has experienced being taken to a location hundreds of miles away if you get one space or letter wrong
-"get me directions to my event tonight.. this evening.. today.. you b*&^%." Siri failed. I think the start time to my event had passed, so maybe that's what messed siri up. But there's no reason that it should have. I had one event on my calendar for the entire day, with the address in place in the address section.
This is from everyday use, not because I'm looking for problems. I took note of these things only because of my interest in Apple, and also out of frustration, but most people just feel it's frustrating and give up on it, I would imagine.
your article is incorrect - i just asked siri who the current president is - Trump and then asked 'what is his age' - 70 - worked fine.
I did that same on my Apple Watch, and the second response was something along the lines of "I can look up 'how old is he?' on your iPhone". Clearly the connection between "president" and "he" was lost between back-to-back Hey Siri requests. I tried the same thing on my iPhone and the second response was "Ok, I found this on the web for "How old is he."
I don't think Sir is terrible, but Apple has a lot of catching up to do. My success rate using Siri is maybe 30% especially outdoors. Half the time Siri immediately stops listening after I say "Hey Siri" for example.
Siri needs to "just work" and it doesn't. I hope Apple is sinking hundreds of millions of dollars into (effective) R&D for this, because it is the future (and the present).
Even simple requests fail. I can't remember the actual item, but a few days ago my query was "Hey, Siri <beep beep> Please add a reminder to buy [toothpaste]" and Siri didn't understand the request. I tried repeating it slowly and got the same response. I tried again and Siri pulled up a bunch of web search results. Same thing happened during a simple reminder request a week or so ago.
I think you're making this up. Siri only beeps once.
It makes a "do-do" sound. I would call that beeping twice.
Even simple requests fail. I can't remember the actual item, but a few days ago my query was "Hey, Siri <beep beep> Please add a reminder to buy [toothpaste]" and Siri didn't understand the request. I tried repeating it slowly and got the same response. I tried again and Siri pulled up a bunch of web search results. Same thing happened during a simple reminder request a week or so ago.
I hope there's some truth to this...Siri needs it, its been crap forever! Still I think its too late, Apple should of purchased Viv when they had the chance. They seem to be too far behind in AI when compared to their competition in the field. And Alexa seems to be becoming the Android of AI.
Wait - Samsung hasn't even released theirs yet, but already it's too late for Apple?
Even simple requests fail. I can't remember the actual item, but a few days ago my query was "Hey, Siri <beep beep> Please add a reminder to buy [toothpaste]" and Siri didn't understand the request. I tried repeating it slowly and got the same response. I tried again and Siri pulled up a bunch of web search results. Same thing happened during a simple reminder request a week or so ago.
This worked fine for me.
we are seeing vast inconsistency in Siri functionality. This is not good. I've seen this difference myself between my own Siri requests. When it works, it's really a great shortcut. When it doesn't, it's kind of a waste of time and effort that could've been spent on using a normal Google search or manually doing whatever I asked Siri to do for me.
Personally I doubt his claim that it doesn't work. Shopping list stuff is old functionality.
Does anyone disagree that a demo like I describe below would be a great (overdue) segment of an upcoming keynote:
Tim walks on stage. "Let's talk about digital assistants and voice controls. Apple was a pioneer in this space years ago with Siri, but the fact is that other companies have made big contributions in this area. Today, I want to demonstrate that Apple has recommitted to this technology and is once again the clear leader." Proceeds with a very impressive (and unassailably credible/fair) shootout between Siri (on the phone, the Mac, the watch, and AirPods) and the latest Amazon, Google, and MS offerings with Siri giving great answers to a robust series of questions and requests (and the other systems doing OK, but clearly a step behind).
I would love to see Apple do that demo, but unless AMAZING work has been happening in recent months, I don't except them to be ready in June.
Apple should pull Siri's "virtual plug" and license a better technology. Beyond finding "taco places in my area" Siri has proven pretty useless outside of small task and very simple questions and that's if it understand what I am asking. Apple appears to be a bit scattered with its focus these days, like a child with too many toys to play with they develop a service or product make a big deal out of it then move onto the next "great" idea and let the last one collect dusts. Time for Apple to be perfect a few things rather than dabble in fields others have now mastered. iOS in a complex nightmare these days when you need to change a setting quickly. Do us all a favor and strip it down and bring some joy back to your products and services.
You have a pretty cynical point of view, one which I don't experience or really think is as normal as you do. Others criticize apple for the very opposite -- saying "No" to too many things, and lament that they aren't doing more products ala "Tesla is so much further ahead than Apple!" (but...where can i buy a Tesla laptop?? so bizarre)
Apple introduced the whole digital-assistant-on-mobile-phone-OS movement w/ the first Siri. it's completely normal to expect them to continue working on it and making it better. i dont know what people want to do w/ Siri but using it for simple tasks is its job to be done for me -- texts, reminders, music, home automation... would i like a Star Trek-style assistant that could handle requests like "Computer, summarize the War of the Roses"? sure, but I'm not expecting it to drop anytime soon.
I have no illusions to asking Siri to make me a cup of tea anytime soon, however outside of the task you mentioned Siri skill set has not budge after all these years. Siri was a novelty and a "killer app" when Apple released it and then it was really beta software. The ease of use Apple and the Mac were famous for is long gone, iOS devices should be simple to use and I fear feature glut and a settings panel to match will make many of us look for more refined alternatives. My first cell phone was the original iPhone, I held of buying anything because I knew Apple would give us what none of the other mobile handset makers could, an easy to use, easy to navigate phone in a beautiful package.
iOS is still simple to use. my 70-something mother loves her ipad. Ditto for dad and his iphone. They don't go into Settings very often, and that's good.
Is it it as simple as iphone OS 1? No, but it does way more. Good luck finding an Android phone that is easier to use.
Even simple requests fail. I can't remember the actual item, but a few days ago my query was "Hey, Siri <beep beep> Please add a reminder to buy [toothpaste]" and Siri didn't understand the request. I tried repeating it slowly and got the same response. I tried again and Siri pulled up a bunch of web search results. Same thing happened during a simple reminder request a week or so ago.
Works for me.
Me too. I have no idea when I'll get that reminder, but Siri understood me.
Even simple requests fail. I can't remember the actual item, but a few days ago my query was "Hey, Siri <beep beep> Please add a reminder to buy [toothpaste]" and Siri didn't understand the request. I tried repeating it slowly and got the same response. I tried again and Siri pulled up a bunch of web search results. Same thing happened during a simple reminder request a week or so ago.
Works for me.
Me too. I have no idea when I'll get that reminder, but Siri understood me.
You won't get a timed notification, it's a reminder added to the default Shopping list within the Reminders app.
Apple should pull Siri's "virtual plug" and license a better technology. Beyond finding "taco places in my area" Siri has proven pretty useless outside of small task and very simple questions and that's if it understand what I am asking. Apple appears to be a bit scattered with its focus these days, like a child with too many toys to play with they develop a service or product make a big deal out of it then move onto the next "great" idea and let the last one collect dusts. Time for Apple to be perfect a few things rather than dabble in fields others have now mastered. iOS in a complex nightmare these days when you need to change a setting quickly. Do us all a favor and strip it down and bring some joy back to your products and services.
You have a pretty cynical point of view, one which I don't experience or really think is as normal as you do. Others criticize apple for the very opposite -- saying "No" to too many things, and lament that they aren't doing more products ala "Tesla is so much further ahead than Apple!" (but...where can i buy a Tesla laptop?? so bizarre)
Apple introduced the whole digital-assistant-on-mobile-phone-OS movement w/ the first Siri. it's completely normal to expect them to continue working on it and making it better. i dont know what people want to do w/ Siri but using it for simple tasks is its job to be done for me -- texts, reminders, music, home automation... would i like a Star Trek-style assistant that could handle requests like "Computer, summarize the War of the Roses"? sure, but I'm not expecting it to drop anytime soon.
I have no illusions to asking Siri to make me a cup of tea anytime soon, however outside of the task you mentioned Siri skill set has not budge after all these years. Siri was a novelty and a "killer app" when Apple released it and then it was really beta software. The ease of use Apple and the Mac were famous for is long gone, iOS devices should be simple to use and I fear feature glut and a settings panel to match will make many of us look for more refined alternatives. My first cell phone was the original iPhone, I held of buying anything because I knew Apple would give us what none of the other mobile handset makers could, an easy to use, easy to navigate phone in a beautiful package.
iOS is still simple to use. my 70-something mother loves her ipad. Ditto for dad and his iphone. They don't go into Settings very often, and that's good.
Is it it as simple as iphone OS 1? No, but it does way more. Good luck finding an Android phone that is easier to use.
Remember iOS also runs iPhones which has a bit more to it than an iPad. Some key settings are 4 deep and it is common to head down the wrong rabbit hole to find them. While we were not paying attention Apple overstuffed the preference panel, nightmare.
Apple should pull Siri's "virtual plug" and license a better technology. Beyond finding "taco places in my area" Siri has proven pretty useless outside of small task and very simple questions and that's if it understand what I am asking. Apple appears to be a bit scattered with its focus these days, like a child with too many toys to play with they develop a service or product make a big deal out of it then move onto the next "great" idea and let the last one collect dusts. Time for Apple to be perfect a few things rather than dabble in fields others have now mastered. iOS in a complex nightmare these days when you need to change a setting quickly. Do us all a favor and strip it down and bring some joy back to your products and services.
You have a pretty cynical point of view, one which I don't experience or really think is as normal as you do. Others criticize apple for the very opposite -- saying "No" to too many things, and lament that they aren't doing more products ala "Tesla is so much further ahead than Apple!" (but...where can i buy a Tesla laptop?? so bizarre)
Apple introduced the whole digital-assistant-on-mobile-phone-OS movement w/ the first Siri. it's completely normal to expect them to continue working on it and making it better. i dont know what people want to do w/ Siri but using it for simple tasks is its job to be done for me -- texts, reminders, music, home automation... would i like a Star Trek-style assistant that could handle requests like "Computer, summarize the War of the Roses"? sure, but I'm not expecting it to drop anytime soon.
I have no illusions to asking Siri to make me a cup of tea anytime soon, however outside of the task you mentioned Siri skill set has not budge after all these years. Siri was a novelty and a "killer app" when Apple released it and then it was really beta software. The ease of use Apple and the Mac were famous for is long gone, iOS devices should be simple to use and I fear feature glut and a settings panel to match will make many of us look for more refined alternatives. My first cell phone was the original iPhone, I held of buying anything because I knew Apple would give us what none of the other mobile handset makers could, an easy to use, easy to navigate phone in a beautiful package.
iOS is still simple to use. my 70-something mother loves her ipad. Ditto for dad and his iphone. They don't go into Settings very often, and that's good.
Is it it as simple as iphone OS 1? No, but it does way more. Good luck finding an Android phone that is easier to use.
Remember iOS also runs iPhones which has a bit more to it than an iPad. Some key settings are 4 deep and it is common to head down the wrong rabbit hole to find them. While we were not paying attention Apple overstuffed the preference panel, nightmare.
That is why they added the ability to search the settings.
your article is incorrect - i just asked siri who the current president is - Trump and then asked 'what is his age' - 70 - worked fine.
I did that same on my Apple Watch, and the second response was something along the lines of "I can look up 'how old is he?' on your iPhone". Clearly the connection between "president" and "he" was lost between back-to-back Hey Siri requests. I tried the same thing on my iPhone and the second response was "Ok, I found this on the web for "How old is he."
I don't think Sir is terrible, but Apple has a lot of catching up to do. My success rate using Siri is maybe 30% especially outdoors. Half the time Siri immediately stops listening after I say "Hey Siri" for example.
Siri needs to "just work" and it doesn't. I hope Apple is sinking hundreds of millions of dollars into (effective) R&D for this, because it is the future (and the present).
I definitely agree on the Apple needing to put a lot into research and development. SIRI should be the preferred interaction method with the watch and with the iPods and any echo competitor. I'm not interested in getting them until SIRI is really better. I recognize that SIRI is ahead in several ways right now but Alexa understands what I ask 3 or 4 times more.
Some pretty clear evidence that people try it, see that it is...not overly helpful, accurate, or usable...and then never go back to it. This is one of the reasons I rarely use it. .
There are nearly a billion iDevices in use, so a random bod saying something in a forum isn't "clear evidence" of anything.
Even simple requests fail. I can't remember the actual item, but a few days ago my query was "Hey, Siri <beep beep> Please add a reminder to buy [toothpaste]" and Siri didn't understand the request. I tried repeating it slowly and got the same response. I tried again and Siri pulled up a bunch of web search results. Same thing happened during a simple reminder request a week or so ago.
This worked for me. It even added it to the correct reminder list. Try it again, but this time don't say 'beep beep' after 'Hey Siri'.
Even simple requests fail. I can't remember the actual item, but a few days ago my query was "Hey, Siri <beep beep> Please add a reminder to buy [toothpaste]" and Siri didn't understand the request. I tried repeating it slowly and got the same response. I tried again and Siri pulled up a bunch of web search results. Same thing happened during a simple reminder request a week or so ago.
This worked for me. It even added it to the correct reminder list. Try it again, but this time don't say 'beep beep' after 'Hey Siri'.
Comments
I think you're making this up. Siri only beeps once.
Outside of a very limited set of things (mostly dictation or reminder/alarm setting) I rarely use Siri because I know/assume it's most likely going to piss me off. Here's a few basic things that Siri should've been able to to a long, long time ago, but still fails at (the ones I managed to remember to take note of):
-lack of contextual conversation. promised on day one, but I've kept a two point contextual conversation only a couple of times since siri's release.
-Siri does not even know how to find info of businesses in maps ffs:
"hey siri, get me directions to sundance theater?" (takes me to a city named sundance a hundred miles away or something)
"hey siri, get me directions to sundance cinemas" (again, complete failure)
"hey siri, get me directions to sundance movie theater" (again, failure)
I look up "sundance" on the map and I see the location I'm looking for, titled "Sundance Houston", but listed as a movie theater in the description just below the title. Absurd.
-Siri can't give basic maps guidance:
"hey siri, give me directions to ____ on ____ street." Siri us unable to do this, just gives a short list of nearby locations, and not a comprehensive list that includes the further away location (but still in the same city) that I actually need directions to, even when I try asking for more locations, "show me more locations for _____", siri shows same exact gd short list. It seems so unbelievably simple to allow for this direction that hundreds of thousands of people must have tried at some point.
-Lack of geographical awareness when asking siri to search a location in maps:
I think everyone has experienced being taken to a location hundreds of miles away if you get one space or letter wrong
-"get me directions to my event tonight.. this evening.. today.. you b*&^%." Siri failed.
I think the start time to my event had passed, so maybe that's what messed siri up. But there's no reason that it should have. I had one event on my calendar for the entire day, with the address in place in the address section.
This is from everyday use, not because I'm looking for problems. I took note of these things only because of my interest in Apple, and also out of frustration, but most people just feel it's frustrating and give up on it, I would imagine.
I did that same on my Apple Watch, and the second response was something along the lines of "I can look up 'how old is he?' on your iPhone". Clearly the connection between "president" and "he" was lost between back-to-back Hey Siri requests. I tried the same thing on my iPhone and the second response was "Ok, I found this on the web for "How old is he."
I don't think Sir is terrible, but Apple has a lot of catching up to do. My success rate using Siri is maybe 30% especially outdoors. Half the time Siri immediately stops listening after I say "Hey Siri" for example.
Siri needs to "just work" and it doesn't. I hope Apple is sinking hundreds of millions of dollars into (effective) R&D for this, because it is the future (and the present).
It makes a "do-do" sound. I would call that beeping twice.
Works for me.
Personally I doubt his claim that it doesn't work. Shopping list stuff is old functionality.
Does anyone disagree that a demo like I describe below would be a great (overdue) segment of an upcoming keynote:
Tim walks on stage. "Let's talk about digital assistants and voice controls. Apple was a pioneer in this space years ago with Siri, but the fact is that other companies have made big contributions in this area. Today, I want to demonstrate that Apple has recommitted to this technology and is once again the clear leader." Proceeds with a very impressive (and unassailably credible/fair) shootout between Siri (on the phone, the Mac, the watch, and AirPods) and the latest Amazon, Google, and MS offerings with Siri giving great answers to a robust series of questions and requests (and the other systems doing OK, but clearly a step behind).
I would love to see Apple do that demo, but unless AMAZING work has been happening in recent months, I don't except them to be ready in June.
iOS is still simple to use. my 70-something mother loves her ipad. Ditto for dad and his iphone. They don't go into Settings very often, and that's good.
Is it it as simple as iphone OS 1? No, but it does way more. Good luck finding an Android phone that is easier to use.
Me too. I have no idea when I'll get that reminder, but Siri understood me.
Thanks. I got a chuckle out of this.