Multiple reports have confirmed that Apple is supposedly training its voice assistant Siri to uplift on commands. But without the need for the prompt phrase “Hey Siri”, in the first half. However, the start phrase aimed at launching Siri on different products such as Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Home Pod. It is noteworthy that Bloomberg first reported the news.
Bloomberg said the change could appear in mid-2023 or at the beginning of 2024. However, Apple did not respond to a request for comment related to the news. Most experts believe the recent signal indicates broader changes that could need extraordinary artificial intelligence training. Meanwhile, the update will supposedly bring minor changes.
A research director at ABI Research, Lian Jye Su, issued a statement. He said these 2 words enable the system to more perfectly acknowledge requests. So, the shift to one word could thin on a more efficient AI system. Su said the system differentiates the voice command from the user’s trained model during the recognition phase. However, the word “Siri” is shorter compared to “Hey Siri”.
Matter Automation Standard from Tech Giants
Meanwhile, “Hey Siri” gives significantly fewer distinction points and higher error rates in bigger rooms and booming environments. The move could authorize Apple to become equal to the “Alexa” prompt of Amazon. The Alexa prompt doesn’t need a first wake word for its voice assistant. In 2018, Microsoft moved away from its “Hey Cortana” phrase.
The tech giant’s voice assistant now allows users to only say “Cortana” on smart speakers. Meanwhile, most Google product requests still need “OK Google”. Apple, Google, and Amazon started collaboration on the Matter automation standard. The move away from “Hey Siri” is expected to appear at the same time. It would enable us to interoperate automation and the offered Internet of Things devices from different vendors.
The Functionality Enhancements in Siri
A principal analyst at market research firm CCS Insight, James Sanders, delivered his thoughts. He said Apple’s key priority is to redouble strengths in enhancing Siri’s functionalities. Moreover, Apple App Store launched Siri in February 2010 as a standalone iOS app. Keep in mind that the tech giant purchased Siri just 2 months after its launch.
Meanwhile, the company also integrated Siri into the iPhone 4S. This was its first move after the purchase and the feature was released in 2011. The company presented the ability to say “Hey Siri” in 2014 (without touching a button). The efficient integration has brought Siri smarter over the years with 3rd party developers.
Apple’s Reintroduction of Voice Assistant
Moreover, it includes ride-hailing & payment apps, supporting follow-up questions, different accents, and more languages. But the feature still experiences issues such as responding imperfectly to users and understanding incorrectly. Sanders said it as more surprising if Apple just announced this change to Siri a massive move. Tech experts believe the move is a reintroduction of a voice assistant from Apple.
However, the change of “Hey Siri” needs a significant amount of efficient work and dedication. Most experts believe this new change is attached to other new or modified functionalities for Siri. They are considering the rumored timing potentially alongside a new model of Home Pod and unifications with other products via Matter.
