Siri Carplay accuracy

[chrisgunton]

Hey everyone,

I don't know if many people here use CarPlay, but I'm noting an annoying trend with the accuracy of Siri.

When using Siri to compose a text message, the accuracy is pretty awful. Almost every time I use it I end up having to try several times to get the message I want. It's usually a string of gibberish.

However, if I open the Messaging app on the phone and tap the dictation button, it's virtually flawless, similar to when using Siri on the phone directly or via the Apple Watch. It seems to listen to the sentence and use context to understand what I'm saying.

Is the CarPlay Siri dumber, or using different processing? Is dictation done using the phones mic not the headunit mic?

I've tried this while stationary to eliminate road noise, and I've even replaced the mic on the head unit with the best compatible type.

 

[WilliamG]

Sounds to me like your car mic isn't as good as the iPhone's, cause... well... it's unlikely to be.

 

[OllyW]

Jeremy Clarkson had fun with CarPlay in the last episode of the Grand Tour.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=567123053486240

 

[Classic_Mac]

I find that Siri is quite inaccurate when using CarPlay. Sometimes it helps if I disconnect my iPhone from my car and reconnect it. In general I think Siri needs a lot of work. She can't even answer basic questions like when is it going to rain today, instead she says "Yes we should see some rain today" Oh really Siri, I want to know when not if we are!

 

[chrisgunton]

Jeremy Clarkson had fun with CarPlay in the last episode of the Grand Tour.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=567123053486240

This is exactly what made me post this! I thought it was just me!

I tried covering the mic on the phone while using the dictation and it didn't have any affect, so I assume it's also using the mic on the head unit - it just does a MUCH better job at hearing/understanding me.

 

[Aenygma22]

Well, as I wrote in another post it "will" depend on the quality of the mic your car manufacturer used.

Ours works almost flawlessly. We even have entries with very similar sounding names and only once or twice has she asked a second time.

I have had CarPlay for quite awhile now.

 

[chrisgunton]

Well, as I wrote in another post it "will" depend on the quality of the mic your car manufacturer used.

That's the thing, both Siri and Dictation use the same mic, but one is vastly more accurate than the other.

 

[CTHarrryH]

I find it is better with carplay than dictation. Maybe it is the noise level in your car - particularly certain frequencies.

 

[chrisgunton]

I find it is better with carplay than dictation. Maybe it is the noise level in your car - particularly certain frequencies.

I tested it stationary, still bad.

Oh well, I'm sure there is something different between the two, but I guess we will. Ever know.

I just hope for more Siri improvements soon. My Alexa is waaay ore talented!

 

[chevelleguy3]

Like others have said, I bet it's the quality of the microphone in your car. I've used Siri with CarPlay on several different vehicles and they've all worked perfect. I currently use it with a Pioneer 4200NEX headunit and don't have any issues with it. I've previously owned a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado that had OEM CarPlay and had several GM loaner vehicles, zero issues with Siri on any of those. However, my Mustang is a different story, Siri can't understand anything I say....but it's got loud exhaust and I'm usually driving it with the top down.

 

[AustinIllini]

I have had a reasonably good experience with Siri in Carplay; Siri in the car honestly outperforms my phone. That being said, I have a midwestern with mild Texas accent, so I am kind of the poster child for Siri.

 

[randomplaydo]

As an alternative to the possible bad mic theory, I had a huge problem with siri understanding me in the car until I made one change. I have a pretty strong southern accent, so I switched the the British voice for siri. I know it's not the same, but the twang matches closer with a British accent than the vanilla American one. It instantly started understanding me. Not perfect, but my in car accuracy went from maybe 50% to around 90%. I don't know if you're using the British voice setting (I see you're in the UK), but that might help.