When Siri first launched alongside the iPhone 4S back in October of 2011, the software came draped with an unusual characteristic -- a "Beta" tag.
For a company that avoids discussing pre-release hardware and software like the plague, it was highly unusual for Apple to release a piece of software that may simply not have been ready for prime time. Of course, the flip side of that argument is that the very nature of how Siri operates necessitates that it "learn on the go." Put differently, a natural language-based app like Siri demands real-world usage to improve.
The training wheels are now coming off. Apple has added a plethora of functionality (not to mention language support) to Siri over the past two years and it's now being promoted to the big leagues.
Writing for 9to5Mac, Mark Gurman reports that Apple late last week updated its Siri page and removed all "beta" references in the process.
Whereas the old informational page for Siri indicated that the feature was "available in beta" for a number of iOS devices, the new informational pagereads as follows:
With iOS 7 set for release on September 18, iOS users can expect a more refined Siri experience. Some new features include a revamped interface, a more natural sound to the Siri voice and, for the first time, an option to choose between a male and female voice.
For a company that avoids discussing pre-release hardware and software like the plague, it was highly unusual for Apple to release a piece of software that may simply not have been ready for prime time. Of course, the flip side of that argument is that the very nature of how Siri operates necessitates that it "learn on the go." Put differently, a natural language-based app like Siri demands real-world usage to improve.
The training wheels are now coming off. Apple has added a plethora of functionality (not to mention language support) to Siri over the past two years and it's now being promoted to the big leagues.
Writing for 9to5Mac, Mark Gurman reports that Apple late last week updated its Siri page and removed all "beta" references in the process.
Whereas the old informational page for Siri indicated that the feature was "available in beta" for a number of iOS devices, the new informational pagereads as follows:
Siri is available on iPhone 4s or later, iPad with Retina display, iPad mini and iPod touch (fifth generation) and requires internet access. Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas, and features may vary by area. Cellular data charges may apply.Not a mention of "beta" in sight.
With iOS 7 set for release on September 18, iOS users can expect a more refined Siri experience. Some new features include a revamped interface, a more natural sound to the Siri voice and, for the first time, an option to choose between a male and female voice.
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