Known as Siri SDK, the device would be having a speaker and web-connected. Google has shown a demonstration of its new speaker though it did not reveal on the date of availability or even the price. The effort isn’t a knee-jerk reaction to the Echo’s success, but is actually something Apple’s been working on since before Echo arrived a year ago.
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Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is set to take place from June 13th, and with it comes the usual air of anticipation.
Kittlaus, the creator of Siri has since developed another AI powered voice-assistant Viv that is much more powerful and capable than Siri. A source with direct knowledge of Apple’s plans told the publication the device will also be able to interact with Apple’s Homekit platform, allowing it to turn appliances on or off via voice commands.
Reportedly the Siri SDK will be announced next month at Apple’s developer conference WWDC.
In addition to a potential Echo-like device, The Information’s report describes Siri as a much more powerful personal assistant.
As for Apple, Erickson noted that “it is surprising Apple has not already launched a product supporting both multiroom audio and virtual assistance”. This would open the voice assistant to third-party developers.
If Apple does plan to introduce this new device or at least the Siri SDK, we don’t have long to wait to find out.
Since launching two years ago, the Amazon Echo has been a surprise hit, and interest in the device has more recently seen Google, Inc. enter the space with the announcement of Google Home.
The new Siri will counter Amazon with its own speaker as well as other rivals with its advanced AI system and integration with other apps. The company’s speaker will feature Siri, according to The Information.
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If anything, Google’s Home proved how limited Siri can be. According to the report: “To work with Siri, the third-party apps will need some kind of search-query box that Siri could fill with the user’s verbal request once the app is accessed”.
