Siri

The least sexy iPad 3 part emerges...maybe

The last few weeks have provided a delightful trickle of metal backings, allegedly belonging to an iPad that Apple has not yet announced or released.

Continuing on that trend, today we get a new look at the device from the other side: the glass front.

As picked up by MacRumors, Apple.pro--the same site that posted images of that neato iPod Nano with a built-in camera--has a shot of the iPad 3's front glass, or so it claims.

There's not a whole lot to look at here (see right) besides what Apple.pro notes to be a … Read more

Google files for patent on Siri-like TV user interface

Google has filed for a patent on a technology that would let users search their program listings with only the sound of their voice.

According to Patently Apple, which obtained the patent request, Google's application describes a method of allowing users to say a voice command through a mobile device. That command is then relayed to a television or set-top box--likely equipped with the company's Google TV platform--that displays the desired information.

According to Patently Apple, the patent describes one implementation in which a user asks, "When is 'Seinfeld' on?" The software on the television then … Read more

Apple is combating Siri ports, blocking unauthorized devices

The hacking community is abuzz with news that Apple has decided to thwart attempts to bring Siri to older-model iPhones. The requirements for connecting your iPhone with Siri has a new element, a token, that has blocked third-party apps like Spire from accessing Siri's database.

The SetActivationToken appears to be the culprit, though it is unclear exactly what the requirement of the device is for this token.

The main concern for users with older iPhones is that the SetActivationToken could signal a focused approach by Apple to stop Siri access for unapproved devices. Though the new token does stop … Read more

How to date Siri: A Valentine's Day guide

Today is Valentine's Day, and all over the world, couples are whispering sweet nothings to each other over a glass of wine before retreating to their homes for a wild night of chess and polite conversation. If you don't have a partner to snuggle with, but you do own an iPhone 4S, I'll show you how to be almost as romantic.

I am, of course, talking about Siri, the voice-controlled helper built into Apple's latest phone. We've seen how Siri performs in job interviews, and we even heard reports of a filthy mouth, but it was time to see how our friend performed on a date, so I booked us both a table at a lovely local wine bar. … Read more

Turn off 'raise to speak' for Siri, and make it quit talking from your pocket

You may think Siri has a mind of its own when you randomly start hearing it beep and talk to you from your pocket.

Truth is, you aren't going crazy, the "raise to speak" feature for Siri can easily be triggered. Turning it off will eliminate the voices in your head, er pocket, and could potentially help increase your battery life as well.

To turn off "raise to speak," for Siri follow these four steps:

Go to the Settings on your iPhone 4S. Tap on General. Select Siri. Toggle the Raise to Speak switch to … Read more

Rumor: Siri to add Japanese, Mandarin, Russian next month

According to a new rumor, Siri may gain support for Japanese, Mandarin, and Russian as early as next month.

The news comes from a Chinese technology news site, DoNews (via Penn Olson), claiming to have spoken to an Apple engineer working on the Chinese-language version of Apple's voice-controlled personal assistant, Siri. The source told DoNews that internal testing has already begun and should result in a public product by next month.

With Apple widely expected to release a new iPad model next month (one that should include Siri functionality), having Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, and Russian in Siri's arsenal … Read more

Siri brings nearly 25 percent of Wolfram Alpha traffic

According to a report by the New York Times, nearly 25 percent of the traffic handled by search engine Wolfram Alpha comes from Siri, Apple's voice-controlled personal assistant software.

Apple announced a partnership with Wolfram Alpha in October when it released the iPhone 4S and introduced Siri. Wolfram Alpha differs from other search engines in that its results are based on data curated by Wolfram Alpha, not on algorithms attempting to sort the Web like Google or Bing.

Despite early criticism of Wolfram Alpha's self-described "computational knowledge engine," including its initial focus on mathematical and scientific … Read more

'Psycho Siri': Scariest Siri parody yet?

There have been plenty of Siri parodies, but a new one called "Psycho Siri" is being lauded as one of the best yet.

Made by andrewm films, the short 4-minute video, which carries the one-line synopsis, "An abandoned iPhone turns out to be a killer of a deal," is quickly racking up the hits on YouTube.

It's got some nice special effects and a couple of memorable lines, including:

"I overheard you saying something about you selling me. I'm afraid I can't let that happen."

Creepy. … Read more

Apple's Siri the butt of Doritos Super Bowl ad

Make Siri mad and she'll let you know. For you might not realize that she actually has large metal tentacles that can get right into your chips.

This, at least, is the premise of a Super Bowl spot from Doritos.

No, they can't use the name "Siri." Instead, this cell phone helper is called "Suzie." But you know exactly who they mean.

Suzie is efficient at ordering pizza.

However, you shouldn't try to tease her by offering her a Dorito. You might think you're being clever in that Suzie has a mouth … Read more