This is a DISASTER.
This is concrete evidence that Apple is sorely behind on AI, or there would be no need for this. Not only does this create all kinds of issues in regard to privacy, it is a horrible indication of where Apple could wind up in the future. Make no mistake, if they do not catch up to, or surpass competitors in AI, it will have serious ramifications for Apple as a tech company years from now. They have to have strong AI to power their devices - phones, vr/ar experiences, and eventually robots - because that’s where this is going. They will be kneecapped if they don’t get ahead of this.
I am sincerely hoping they don’t become dependent on Google or anyone else as a partner, and that this is just temporary until they have their own solutions on par.
I had for years thought about sending an email Tim Cook about the risk of letting Siri fall so behind compared to other assistants, and here we are. What happened to skating where the puck is going? You couldn’t see this from EVERY sci-fi film ever? They pioneered this with Siri, and completely squandered their lead. It’s really a sad place for them to be right now. Talk about asleep at the wheel (Apple car pun intended). Such depressing news.