Apple is working on a new Siri hot word. The company could drop “Hey” from the existing trigger phrase in favor of just “Siri” by 2024.
Apple first revealed Siri in 2011 when it released the iPhone 4S. Since then, the Cupertino firm has been updating its virtual assistant, adding new settings and advanced integrations in the process. However, almost objectively, Siri still falls significantly short compared to Google Assistant. The latter can have longer, more natural conversations, while Siri still sometimes struggles to execute basic commands. What they both have in common, however, is compatibility with words on compatible devices. Users can say “Hey Siri/Google” to activate the respective assistant. This makes controlling our devices hands-free a simple and convenient matter.
In an attempt to simplify the activation process, Apple is working to drop “Hey” in favor of just “Siri” by 2023 or 2024. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman believes the company has been working on this project for months and trying- lo with some of his employees to collect feedback. Gurman highlights the complexity of this project, stating:
While it may seem like a small change, making the change is a technical challenge that requires a significant amount of AI training and underlying engineering work. Complexity involves Siri being able to understand the single phrase “Siri” in multiple different accents and dialects. Having two words, “Hey Siri,” increases the likelihood that the system will pick up the signal correctly.
Aside from changes to Siri’s active phrase, Apple could be working on integrating the virtual assistant into third-party apps. The ultimate goal here is to enable you to better understand your users and execute the right tasks.
These potential changes to Siri are very welcome, as they could further encourage users to rely on this assistant. Many people avoid using Siri because of its limited capabilities. By simplifying the hot word and providing deeper integrations, it could become an engaging virtual assistant that consumers really depend on.
Do you use Siri actively? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: Bloomberg