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Post by tuffett on Oct 30, 2012 17:32:22 GMT -8
Not sure if this is the right place for this. Google is pushing their enhanced voice search for iOS and Android. Take a look at the ad:
I downloaded the google search app just now and tried it out, and the unfortunate thing is that it actually is as accurate and as fast as the ad shows it to be. To me, this makes Siri instantly inferior.
Of course, it is limited purely to Google search and isn't integrated into iOS and therefore can't launch apps, make calls, play music, etc. but I imagine it will be able to on Android devices. If the voice recognition and responsiveness are any indication, it's going to be far, far better than Siri. I hate to say it, but as investors we need to be aware of the competition. Very shortly, Siri will no longer be a selling point.
I hope Eddy Cue can work some serious magic, and quickly.
Thoughts? I urge you all to give the app a try - I'm quite shaken at how good it is. I'm too used to Apple being the best.
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Post by michelc on Oct 30, 2012 18:37:24 GMT -8
played with it a bit and i agree that if Mr user test both siri and google Voice the latest will come as the best one even if function are limited.
They need to get it out of beta and before next summer.
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Mav
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Post by Mav on Oct 30, 2012 18:43:48 GMT -8
Yawn.
Quick response is not Apple's strength. Getting it right is better.
Let Apple burn a little bit with envy or the need to up its game. A challenge for Tim's revised team of leaders to tackle with gusto. They'll have about 9-12 months or so to iterate or significantly revamp Siri. Remember, Google boasted free turn by turn directions and iPhone didn't fail because of the feature checklist shortfall.
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Post by tuffett on Oct 30, 2012 19:07:49 GMT -8
I am not implying that this is going to make large quantities of people reconsider getting an iPhone. However, on the software side, Siri is by far Apple's most heavily advertised feature for last 12+ months, and it does not look good when it so handily beat by a competitor. Google can do most of the useful things portrayed by the ads.
It also received an upgrade for iOS, but in terms of responsiveness the difference is still stark. Siri can do more things, but it doesn't necessarily do them any better, it seems.
One problem I have with Siri that I think is easy fixable and completely unnecessary is the number of times I'm asked for confirmation. If I want to see pictures of gorillas, why do I need to be asked again if I want Siri to search the web for pictures of gorillas? And then I have to physically tap the search button. That part of Siri is completely unnatural, unnecessary and unintuitive.
I suppose you are right that the next overhaul will be in about a year with iOS7 and/or iPhone 5S/6. I will truly be disappointed if there aren't big improvements at that time.
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Mav
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Post by Mav on Oct 30, 2012 19:14:55 GMT -8
I'm not disagreeing about Siri's flaws. For example, I've wanted Siri to take back some local functions for a while now (Siri should not be 100% useless if there's no Internet). And Siri's context sensor needs a total overhaul:
"Set a timer for an hour."
(because Siri didn't hear me exactly right) "I can't set a timer for a specific time. Would you like me to set an alarm instead?"
"Set a timer for AN HOUR."
"I set your alarm for (one hour later)"
"*some expletive*"
I prefer incremental improvements over Siri beta 3, coming next June(tm). I think under Cue, we'll get them.
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Post by tuffett on Oct 30, 2012 19:45:45 GMT -8
The problem with stuff like Siri is that once you've had a few bad experiences with it, you get more and more reluctant to use it. It's not like it does anything I can't do with a couple of taps on the screen. If it is not truly effective at saving people time, once the novelty wears off most casual users will rarely use it again. It is important to get it right ASAP so people have positive experiences from the start.
The only time I use Siri is to perform tasks while driving hands-free. I do admit it works quite well for that (phone, iPod).
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Mav
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Post by Mav on Oct 30, 2012 19:59:14 GMT -8
That's being a bit harsh. The problem is in Siri's bandwidth for various users - I'm reminders, timers, alarms for the most part.
Siri is useful to a lot of us, but not in the true Virtual Assistant sense I suspect.
That needs to change.
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