Apple’s voice-activated virtual assistant Siri is now available on a number of Apple devices, including the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and the new iPad. Recently, Apple has taken a significant step by filing a patent with the USPTO for an ‘intelligent Automated Assistant,’ which is essentially Siri.
You can see a small extract from the patent filing below. The patent was originally filed back on the 9th of June of this year, although it has only been revealed today.
The intelligent automated assistant system engages with the user in an integrated, conversational manner using natural language dialog, and invokes external services when appropriate to obtain information or perform various actions. The system can be implemented using any of a number of different platforms, such as the web, email, smartphone, and the like, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the system is based on sets of interrelated domains and tasks, and employs additional functionally powered by external services with which the system can interact.
Expanding Siri’s Capabilities
The patent filing indicates that Apple is looking to expand Siri’s capabilities significantly. The description suggests that Siri will not only be limited to smartphones but could also be integrated into various other platforms such as web services and email. This could mean that in the future, Siri might assist users in a more comprehensive manner, potentially handling tasks across different devices and services seamlessly.
For example, imagine asking Siri to schedule a meeting via email while simultaneously setting a reminder on your iPhone and updating your calendar on your iPad. The integration of external services could also mean that Siri might be able to interact with third-party applications more effectively, providing a more cohesive user experience.
Competition in the Virtual Assistant Space
It will be interesting to see if Apple is granted the patent, as a number of other companies are also developing similar offerings. Competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa are continually evolving, offering users a range of functionalities that overlap with what Siri provides. For instance, Google Assistant is known for its robust search capabilities and integration with Google services, while Alexa excels in smart home control and third-party skills.
The competition in the virtual assistant space is fierce, and each company is striving to outdo the others by adding unique features and improving user interaction. Apple’s focus on natural language dialog and the ability to invoke external services could give Siri an edge, making it more versatile and user-friendly.
Moreover, the patent’s mention of “interrelated domains and tasks” suggests that Siri could become more contextually aware, understanding and managing complex tasks that span multiple areas of a user’s life. This could include everything from managing personal schedules to controlling smart home devices, making Siri an indispensable tool for daily life.
In conclusion, Apple’s patent filing for an ‘intelligent Automated Assistant’ indicates a significant step forward in the evolution of Siri. By potentially expanding its capabilities across various platforms and integrating with external services, Siri could become a more powerful and versatile assistant. As the competition in the virtual assistant space heats up, it will be fascinating to see how Apple continues to innovate and enhance Siri to meet the growing demands of users.
Source Engadget
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