Siri: keeping the screen OFF?

[3460169]

I use earbuds -- Sennheiser CX 680i -- which have an inline three-button remote and mic for controlling the phone. It has all the same functions as the stock Apple earbuds that come with the phone.

I use Siri mostly for texting. When wired headphones are used, Siri will read back what is said (without explicitly asking for "review") -- hence there is absolutely zero need to view the screen. However, when activating Siri using the middle button on the inline remote, the screen is activated in the very same way it would be activated if I press and hold the Home button. The Siri microphone button can then be accidentally tapped while the phone is tucked away in my pocket. This has happened far more often than not.

I realize this may fall into the "beta" area, and it's a specific quirk that Apple may address. I'm just wondering if there's a creative workaround, or maybe some option I've totally overlooked to prevent accidentally "butt cancelling" Siri.

 

[MultiMediaWill]

I'm not sure how it's getting pressed in your pocket because the iPhone has a capacitive screen that requires skin to touch the screen.

 

[3460169]

I'm not sure how it's getting pressed in your pocket because the iPhone has a capacitive screen that requires skin to touch the screen.

I agree; perhaps my clothing is conductive, or my shirts are too thin or there's just an excess of static.

Regardless of any of that, should the the screen be illuminated when it's in my pocket? The presence of the earbuds alone (perhaps combined with proximity sensing) should instruct the phone to keep the screen dark (as it does for the music function; the screen certainly doesn't turn on when I hit the Play button the remote, or operate the volume buttons).

 

[Trius]

The screen turns on in preparation of responding to your request. Most of the things you ask of Siri result in something being displayed on your screen.

 

[3460169]

The screen turns on in preparation of responding to your request. Most of the things you ask of Siri result in something being displayed on your screen.

Sure. Most things. Not all.

Consider the example of sending a text. Without headphones, Siri does not review or verify your message, verbally, before sending; you have to look at the screen or explicitly ask for review to verify the text. With headphones, Siri will gratuitously read the text back to you before sending it. There's absolutely no need, in this case, to turn on the screen, but it is anyway.

Sure there are many cases where the information is Siri delivers is visual. Fantastic. But there are cases, such as sending a text, where audio is all that's needed. As far as the screen is concerned, there's no distinction between these two classes of information (pure audio vs visual). Siri is a "Screen always on" experience.

 

[Trius]

I see where you're coming from, but I think the way it is now makes the most sense... Sure, Siri could just "beep" with the screen off until she knows what type of information you're asking for and then turn the screen on accordingly, but, I guarantee it would cause confusion with users, as I'm sure a lot of people look at their phones when using Siri (wearing headphones or not). The lack of illumination of the screen would confuse users as to the "status" of Siri (listening, gathering info, etc.)... Considering the screen is touch capacitive, I would expect to see people accidentally holding down their home buttons in their pockets more than accidentally activating the touch screen through their pants with their leg. I sort of see this as a non-issue... Besides, if the phone is in your pocket anyway, what difference does it make to you if the screen lights up?

 

[WozzaX]

I sort of see this as a non-issue... Besides, if the phone is in your pocket anyway, what difference does it make to you if the screen lights up?

This is not a non-issue. The reason it is a problem is the fact that the screen is "active" and is therefore open to input. Sending a text or making a call when the phone is in your pocket can be interrupted. This can happen whilst, walking, jogging (as seen on the adverts) or cycling like I do. When your asking siri to do something you might inadvertently hit the siri-on-screen button with your leg, therefore cancelling or cutting short your request. This happens to me all the time, wearing different types of clothing. And quite frankly its pi$$ing me off. I use the headphones button to activate siri, and I get the initial double beep followed promptly by the siri ending double beep.
My iPhone 4 could easily dial users from my contacts, and I could ask the phone to play my playlists without the screen becoming an issue. But with Siri on the 4S its constantly activating the screen whilst in my pocket and not using a sensor to lock and blank out the display.

 

[b166er]

Isn't this part of what the "eyes free" feature in iOS 6 is supposed to address? When connected via Bluetooth the screen remains off after a command. Or is that just if you run out and buy a new car that supports this feature?

 

[valanchan]

I also find this annoying.

I like to use Siri hand free to call, get the time, play music/podcasts. Normally works great but the active screen affects my request somehow.