How useful are you finding Siri?

[OllyW]

To you and iBlue.

I'm just responding to your statement that "From the start it was made clear that Siri was US only" which is clearly wrong.

It isn't US only and the link I posted shows Apple UK are pushing it in their advertising. There is even a UK setting (and male Siri voice) in the preferences which wouldn't be there if it was US only.

 

[rocknblogger]

Just expressing my thoughts. There's something rather passive and off putting that causes me to dislike Siri. I don't hate anything or anyone. Yet I can see how my prior post might come across that way.

We all use our smartphones differently. As I write this another word that comes to mind is intrusive. Siri seems intrusive to me.

That aside, I commend Apple for admitting their past denial was a lie, that there was a problem with the iPhone 4 antenna.

Even better, they finally fixed it and included a proper, compatible, baseband processor in iPhone 4S. As a result it has a suitable phone that works as it should.

While it took them a few years to learn how to build a good phone. At least they finally did.

I take it you don't own an iPhone. That's cool but you have a strange distorted view of things. Creepy kind of. No, more like intrusive. But with Siri I don't have to activate it but I still have see your comments. Yeah intrusive sounds right.

 

[sapporobaby]

I'm just responding to your statement that "From the start it was made clear that Siri was US only" which is clearly wrong.

It isn't US only and the link I posted shows Apple UK are pushing it in their advertising. There is even a UK setting (and male Siri voice) in the preferences which wouldn't be there if it was US only.

Go to: http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/siri-faq.html

Note the part towards the bottom of the page that says:

Siri can also assist you using these apps and services in the U.S. in English:

Maps
Local search with Yelp!

Maps and local search support will be available in additional countries in 2012.

I don't know about you but to me this means that Siri only supports geographic functions in the US currently, i.e. US only....

 

[thesiren]

I have Zero interest in Siri. It repulses me.

Not once. Its too obnoxious and doesnt interest me in the least.

I view it as a worthless gimmick that most probably appeals to those who think its cool & like to show off. Siri makes them feel special & important.

Kind of like seniors you see walking around with a blue tooth earpiece on. it's a damn joke.

Siri is a manifestation from the mind of a very lonely person.

Siri appeals to those who need to be validated. Or are easily amused.

It's an ego booster for those who need to feel special.

Whenever I hear Siri speaking from my wife's 4S, I nearly puke.

Always the clever one, Apple knows their audience well. Gimmicks like Siri are a big hit with those who are easily amused.

Siri is downright creepy...

Siri's a Cheezy gimmick

I agree, it's like a kids toy which is why it's so popular at the moment. Going forward only the kids will be playing with it.

Once the simple minded are amused until they are satiated, Siri will lose it's buzz.

I predict it won't belong before someone creates a "Siri Sucks" thread

Siri cheapens the iPhone experience.

Its such a gimmick.

It reveals all the people who've never owned, or ridden in luxury cars like a Mercedes. I've had voice controlled navigation & other services in each of my new S Class sedans since 2000.

Its nothing new.

Obviously many find it "cute" or amusing.

Me? I can see where it's useful for some, but I'm avoiding it.

I just find it repulsive.

You know, for someone who has "absolutely zero interest" in this "creepy" "cheezy" gimmick" "repulsive" "toy" for the "simple-minded", "lonely" and "easily amused" that have "never owned, or riddden in luxury cars like a Mercedes", you sure spend a lot of time talking about it.

I wonder if your wife knows how simple-minded and repulsive you find her.

 

[sapporobaby]

@vitzr,

intrusive |inˈtro͞osiv|adjective1 causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcome or uninvited:that was an intrusive question | tourist attractions that are environmentally intrusive.2 Phonetics (of a sound) pronounced between words or syllables to facilitate pronunciation, such as an r in saw a movie, which occurs in the speech of some eastern New Englanders and metropolitan New Yorkers.3 Geology of, relating to, or formed by intrusion.

How is Siri intruding in your life? Are you being forced to use it?

 

[OllyW]

I don't know about you but to me this means that Siri only supports geographic functions in the US currently, i.e. US only....

Which is why I said "Siri isn't "US only" but a few of the features are only available there."

 

[glocke12]

Im actually finding Siri to be very useful. Reminders, dictating emails and iMessages, web searches, etc. For a beta version I think it is an excellent app, not perfect, but still very useful.

 

[sapporobaby]

Which is why I said "Siri isn't "US only" but a few of the features are only available there."

You say tomato, I say tomato (you know what I mean), but I will agree with you in that right now Siri has more functionality for US based users.

 

[ncarnall]

I use it for answering random questions I'm too lazy to type out, sending the occasional message and setting reminders and alarms. Maybe I'll sing its praises more once Apple pull their finger out and make it so that geographical features can be used outside of the US. Very convenient omission in the advertising on that.

Agreed on the advertising!

 

[sapporobaby]

Just expressing my thoughts. There's something rather passive and off putting that causes me to dislike Siri. I don't hate anything or anyone. Yet I can see how my prior post might come across that way.

We all use our smartphones differently. As I write this another word that comes to mind is intrusive. Siri seems intrusive to me.

That aside, I commend Apple for admitting their past denial was a lie, that there was a problem with the iPhone 4 antenna.

Even better, they finally fixed it and included a proper, compatible, baseband processor in iPhone 4S. As a result it has a suitable phone that works as it should.

While it took them a few years to learn how to build a good phone. At least they finally did.

When you boarded the plane bound for Crazytown, did you once think that maybe this is this flight should be grounded?

How you made these colossal leaps down the rabbit hole is beyond belief. For starters, Apple didn't invent Siri. Siri was created by a company that Apple purchased. Second, companies like Nokia, SE, and a few others have had some sort of voice recognition for quite some time, so it is nothing new. Apple refined it and made it natural voice so that you can interact with it in less of a robot-like fashion. There is an on and off button for Siri. I would suggest that you use it. Problem solved. Done and done.

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Agreed on the advertising!

Could you point out this "omission", and how you were marketed to and promised something that you are not getting?

 

[vitzr]

The buzz surrounding Siri has already shriveled to a minor gurgle. It's just another reminder of the prediction that Siri is but another Apple Gimick.

 

[sapporobaby]

The buzz surrounding Siri has already shriveled to a minor gurgle. It's just another reminder of the prediction that Siri is but another Apple Gimick.

Seems like you're in full troll mode...

 

[surferchick2]

I just realized I use it alot. I travel 2 weeks out of the month, and the ability to find answers, send texts, setting reminders, send emails, and even searching an unknown number to call while running through the terminal between gates pulling a rollaboard, without the need to stop and type or search like I did before (or ignore it completely if I'm pressed for time). Now that's multitasking! The iPhone is only that much better with it!

 

[jcorbin]

Obviously many find it "cute" or amusing.

Me? I can see where it's useful for some, but I'm avoiding it.

I just find it repulsive.

why you ragin' bro

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Seems like you're in full troll mode...

he just wants attention

 

[sapporobaby]

why you ragin' bro

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he just wants attention

Nice....

 

[iBlue]

Could you point out this "omission", and how you were marketed to and promised something that you are not getting?

Could you please point out what makes you apple's ball-washing authority on what other people should think upon finding out some of Siri's features don't work outside the US?

 

[RipsMctits]

Siri is a gimmick? How? Maybe if it only answered those silly questions people love to ask it, then it would be a gimmick. Siri is a tool. Writing emails and texts while driving is useful. Useful things are gimmicks now? Or is that when YOU personally don't use them, or see a use for them, that it becomes a gimmick. Sure I could set a reminder by using the keyboard, but it's quicker and easier to use Siri.

The overreaction by some people to this feature is pretty hilarious, as well as the misuse of the word "gimmick".

 

[sapporobaby]

Could you please point out what makes you apple's ball-washing authority on what other people should think upon finding out some of Siri's features don't work outside the US?

I did mention to OllyW that US users do have a bit more functionality but this is clearly mentioned on Apple's website. I guess you missed this too.

 

[McMahon.iCloud]

Siri's face??

This video shows a guy using Siri, he gets Siri to show her 'face' and then the generated face speaks in time with Siri's voice

I'm not sure if it's real or not but if it was it would be awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQfeDqNYJJ4

 

[thesiren]

that's fake and you know it. I know it, everybody knows it. it's a horribly executed hoax with ****** post work.

 

[Bryan Bowler]

I'm finding it to be extremely useful! Texting and emailing will never be the same...

(in a good way)

 

[lilo777]

Obviously, it's not very useful.

The very fact that people ask this question is indicative. Have you seen people asking whether web browsing, gaming, messaging, banking, GPS, camera etc. were useful? Probably you have not. Siri usefulness comes way down the list of useful features - somewhere between FaceTime and a compass.

 

[Tsuchiya]

I'm using Siri to compose this message. It's not necessarily a useful feature but it's a lot of fun. I mostly use Siri to set my alarm or reminders.

While it's a feature that people focus on is not the reason why I brought my 4S. It's just a nice bonus I guess.

 

[akj27]

I find it incredibly useful. Just this morning for example, I woke up extremely tired, so I say to Siri, wake me up in 20 minutes. It took 5 seconds and I didn't even have to open my eyes to do it. I'm really digging it.

Also, it makes it safe to text and drive, which is really nice too.

 

[parseckadet]

Go to: http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/siri-faq.html

Note the part towards the bottom of the page that says:

Siri can also assist you using these apps and services in the U.S. in English:

Maps
Local search with Yelp!

Maps and local search support will be available in additional countries in 2012.

I don't know about you but to me this means that Siri only supports geographic functions in the US currently, i.e. US only....

Please, restore my faith in humanity and tell me that you can tell the difference between saying that "Siri [is] US only" and "Siri only supports geographic functions in the US currently." In one sentence you seem to acknowledge that Siri does more than just geographic related things, then in the next you act as though it has zero functionality other than this.

Siri is a gimmick? How? Maybe if it only answered those silly questions people love to ask it, then it would be a gimmick. Siri is a tool. Writing emails and texts while driving is useful. Useful things are gimmicks now? Or is that when YOU personally don't use them, or see a use for them, that it becomes a gimmick. Sure I could set a reminder by using the keyboard, but it's quicker and easier to use Siri.

The overreaction by some people to this feature is pretty hilarious, as well as the misuse of the word "gimmick".

Amen. I've never been one who used to do lists or apps because I didn't want to stop what I was doing to add a new thing to the list. Typing took to long, and if I write it down I just end up losing the slip of paper anyway. Now with Siri I just speak it and it's added to my list. This functionality saved my bacon last week when I was running last minute errands all over town getting ready for my wedding. Not only did I not have time to stop and add something to a to do list, most of the time I was told something needed to be done while I was on the road. I didn't have time to stop the car, fire up the 2Do app, type in a new item, add a due date, etc. I would have never gotten everything done because I would have forgotten half of it.

Add to all of that the fact that I was continuously texting my wife and out-of-town guests information they needed quickly, all by the sound of my voice. Android probably could have helped me as well, but the context recognition of Siri is what really made it sing. Android wouldn't have been able to read a text, create a reminder, send an email, add appointments to my calendar, and call my cousin without having to manually open each respective app first along the way.

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The very fact that people ask this question is indicative. Have you seen people asking whether web browsing, gaming, messaging, banking, GPS, camera etc. were useful? Probably you have not. Siri usefulness comes way down the list of useful features - somewhere between FaceTime and a compass.

You don't see people asking these questions ANYMORE, but they did when each of these things first came into being. Many, many companies forbid employees from browsing the web simply out of principle when it was getting started. When GPS first got going lots of people simply said "Just us a map." And my mom still questions the usefulness of messaging, online banking, and cell phone cameras. Just because people question the usefulness of a technology when it first enters the public conscientiousness, that doesn't mean that it's not useful.