iPhone 4S Release Date: Apple Announces 'Siri' Specs - New Voice Recognition Technology
Features for the new iPhone 4S have been released today at Apple’s big unveiling event in California. Arguably the biggest feature is the addition of a voice recognition assistance program called “Siri.”
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Product Marketing Phil Schiller announced the feature today, saying he wanted “devices that could really understand you; that you didn't have to use a restricted lingo when asking for music or searching for directions.”
Siri allows users to ask questions to the phone including “Will it rain in Cupertino" or "Do I need an umbrella today?"
The voice recognition has the ability to recognize a question in more than a few different ways.
Apple officially bills Siri as an “intelligent assistant that helps you get things done, just by asking.”
Scott Forstall demonstrated the phone at the event by showing how just holding the home button activates Siri.
In his demonstration Scott asked Siri: “what’s the weather going to be?”
Siri responded with the temperature and current weather information for his current location in California.
In another test he asked: “Do I need a raincoat today?"
Siri responded: "It sure looks like rain today."
In addition he showed the endless capabilities of Siri.
Scott again asked: "Wake me up tomorrow at 6 a.m."
Siri responds: "Okay, I set it for 6 a.m."
Siri has the ability to read text messages, make appointments on the calendar, and fully sync the phone without using touch.
With the information that Siri looks up, the assistant program automatically remembers the information for future reference.
Schiller said he hopes the Siri intelligent voice technology can accurately change the way people start viewing phones and technology.
