Yesterday at the WWDC keynote, one of the big announcements for iOS 6 was a Siri upgrade. Siri has been in “beta” since its launch, and has had a limited number of features during this beta phase. Apple is finally stepping it up a notch in iOS…
Siri knows sports
Siri’s been given the ability to provide sports information and statistics including scores, and player information.
Sports fan? Siri knows baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey. Ask Siri for game schedules, scores from the current season’s games, or up-to-the minute scores from live games. Tell Siri to show you player stats and compare them against other players’ stats. Siri tracks team records, too, so you’ll always know how well your team is doing (or not doing). Siri is even smart enough to know whether you’re asking about the New York Giants or the San Francisco Giants, based on where you are.
Siri’s Rotten Tomatoes Integration
Siri has also been integrated with Rotten Tomatoes to provide movie reviews, and you can even watch trailers in Siri’s interface.
Siri can help you find the latest flicks by location or showtimes. Can’t decide? Ask Siri to show you a movie trailer or a Rotten Tomatoes review. Siri is also quite the film buff: Find out when a film premiered, who directed it, and what awards it won. Or ask Siri which movies your favorite actors star in, so you won’t miss any of their past or future blockbusters.
Siri on the iPad
Yup that’s right, Siri is making her way to the new iPad. Now you can enjoy the same Siri features and functionality right on the new iPad. There’s no word yet if Siri will expand to other devices in the Apple family. As of now it’s just coming to the new iPad. I have iOS 6 beta installed and it works pretty great!
Launch Apps With Siri
Included with Siri’s update is the ability to launch apps. You can simply ask Siri to “open” an app, and just like that, she does it. Although iOS 6 is in beta, this feature seems to perform perfectly.
OpenTable Integration
You can also make reservations for a restaurant with OpenTable and Siri.
With Siri you now have a personal restaurant concierge. Ask to find restaurants by cuisine, price, location, outdoor seating, or a combination of choices. Siri will show you a restaurant’s photos, Yelp stars, price range, and reviews. When you find a place you like, ask Siri to make a reservation through the OpenTable app.
Facebook and Twitter Integration
Now you can easily Tweet or post to Facebook right from Siri or the Notification Center.
Siri makes social networking that much more fun — and easy. Update your Facebook status, post a comment on your Wall, or send a tweet using just the sound of your voice. You can get the word out faster — all without having to type a single word.
Eyes Free
Apple is also working with major car manufacturers to integrate Siri buttons right in your vehicle. You’ll be able to envoke Siri right from the steering wheel and keep your eyes on the road!
Apple is working with car manufacturers to integrate Siri into select voice control systems. Through the voice command button on your steering wheel, you’ll be able to ask Siri questions without taking your eyes off the road. To minimize distractions even more, your iOS device’s screen won’t light up. With the Eyes Free feature, ask Siri to call people, select and play music, hear and compose text messages, use Maps and get directions, read your notifications, find calendar information, add reminders, and more. It’s just another way Siri helps you get things done, even when you’re behind the wheel.
I’m sure there are more features that have yet to be announced. We’ll keep you updated with all of Siri’s new features, along with videos coming soon!
