Definition: Siri

Apple's virtual assistant, introduced with iOS 5 in the iPhone 4S in 2011. Siri pioneered the "intelligent personal assistant" in a mobile device by responding with both voice and visual results and ushering in a new era of convenience for users. Siri continues to lead in this arena with its own personality. Users can have somewhat of a back and forth conversation with Siri. Siri later moved from mobile-only devices to the desktop. In 2016, Siri was added to macOS 10.12 (Sierra), and it became the major feature in the table top HomePod in 2017 (see Sierra and Apple HomePod).

Siri's Voice - Male or Female
Depending on the country, Siri launched with a female or male voice. For example, the U.S. and Australia voices are female, while the U.K. and French voices are male. The U.S. Siri is that of Susan Bennett, who spent four hours a day in July 2005 recording all the words that Siri uses to put together phrases that sound natural. Starting with iOS 7 in 2013, American users could switch Siri's voice from female to male. See virtual assistant.

An Eyes-Free Advantage
A major component of Apple's vehicle strategy is "Siri Eyes Free." Users with iPhones can activate Siri by pressing a button on the steering wheel. See CarPlay.




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