Apple has been showcasing the major upgrade they have done on Siri in iOS 10. In a preview this week, Apple reveals new features that debunk the notion that Siri is merely a voice assistant. With the changes made, Siri has never been more exciting to use.
Siri Talks More Broadly
Before Siri can even communicate with the apps, there needs to be an extension to be built. A new toolkit for iOS 10 called SiriKit will build that said extension. It is where Siri will get the information from the app and then handle the request. Prior to that, the meaning, voice and natural language would have to be recognized by Siri.
The New Amazing Features
If you take a long time looking for images in certain apps, the photo search feature is very easy to use. Though you need to be specific about the app where you want Siri to look for your images. Apps such as Pinterest, LookLive, Vogue Runway and Pikazo are supported in this feature. "Find pictures of Justin Bieber on Pinterest" will show you photos of Justin Bieber on Pinterest.
Meanwhile, when using the messaging, you need to be more careful. Use a concise command to Siri. Make sure to say the name of the person you are sending the message to. Specify what messaging app to use. "Send a WhatsApp message to John Smith that says I love him" will send an 'I love you' message to John Smith through WhatsApp. LinkedIn and WhatsApps are both supported in this feature, according to Macworld.
You can also send payments using Siri. Apps like Square Cash and Monzo are supported in this feature. The command "Send $50 to Richmond using Monzo" will send $50 to Richmond through the Monzo app. Both apps will require you to confirm that the transaction will push through. Don't say the word send. Instead, tap the button 'send'. Monzo is stricter with its security. It will need authentication of the payment through Touch ID.
Apps such as Uber, Lyft, Didi Chuxing and myTaxi can be used with iOS 10. This ride-hailing feature lets you fetch a ride by using a command like this "Ask Lyft to get me a ride to the mall". The audio/video calling feature lets you make a command to Siri that will audio or video call someone using a certain app. "Audio call Pauline on Spark" will audio call Pauline through the Spark app.
Apps That Will Be Integrated With Siri
According to TechCrunch, Apple has mentioned these apps that will be supported in the new voice functionality of Siri in iOS 10: WeChat, WhatsApp, Slack, Uber, Lyft, Didi, EyeEm, Pinterest, Runtastic, RunKeeper, Venmo, Number26, Skype and Viber. While these apps Skype, LinkedIn, Square Cash, Monzo, Vogue Runway, Looklive, The Roll and Pikazo are yet to be integrated with Siri.
