Apple's virtual assistant, Siri, received probably one of the most significant updates revealed at Apple's WWDC 2021 event. Apple has announced several new features that aim to improve Siri's performance and provide changes to increase overall efficiency.

Let's take a look at the new features that Siri gets with iOS 15.

1. Experienced voice processing enhanced

Prior to this update, Siri had to direct everything to the cloud to process your speech. This made Siri react slower than you would like, and it was quite frustrating to wait a significant amount of time for Siri to respond.

Many people preferred to type queries rather than slow processing, causing a blow to Siri's popularity. Apple fixed this with iOS 15 using the Apple Neural Engine to introduce speech processing on your Apple device itself.

This will save you tons of time and make Siri much faster and more efficient.

2. Use Siri with the Apple Watch Unlock feature

This feature will work for you, as long as you have an Apple Watch. In early 2021, Apple launched a new feature that allowed you to unlock your iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask.

If this feature is enabled on your iPhone and Apple Watch is connected to it, you will now be able to use Siri without having to unlock your iPhone. You can ask Siri questions by saying "Hey Siri" or answer calls and announced messages using this feature.

This feature makes Siri easier and more practical to use, especially if something like a face mask or headset is blocking your face from the camera.

3. Share what's on the screen

Have you seen an interesting meme or new music that you would like to share with a friend? Under normal circumstances, you should find them and select them manually in your contacts to send a file or image.

However, with the new upgrade, you can share items on the screen with your contacts via Siri.

Whether it's an Apple News article, a song on Apple Music, a location on Apple Maps, or episodes on Apple Podcasts, all you have to do is say "Send this to John," and Siri will automatically do the task for you. .

If the file cannot be shared, Siri will take a screenshot and send it to that contact. Pretty cool, isn't it?

4. Announce notifications

Before iOS 15, Siri was already able to announce calls while wearing headphones and announce messages when you had your AirPods turned on. In addition to ads, you can instantly reply to text messages with Siri.

The announcement feature now extends to all notifications in iPhone apps. You can choose and customize which apps are allowed to announce notifications via Siri and which are not.

Another relevant update is Siri announcing messages on CarPlay. Technically, Siri was already able to do this, but you had to touch the digital screen in the car to allow it to display and announce the notification every time.

Connected: A quick guide to CarPlay

With iOS 15, Siri will announce notifications without having to touch the CarPlay screen, allowing you to stay up to date without having to take your eyes off the road.

On the other hand, this can be a challenge if you don't want your passengers to listen to your private messages. Ongoing notifications can also be fun when driving. Fortunately, Apple has released control features that allow you to turn off notifications or text notifications from certain contacts.

5. Use Siri Offline

This feature will only be compatible with the iPhone X series or later. Siri will now be able to offer specific functional features without an internet connection or mobile data.

Some of the features you can use offline with Siri include customizing accessibility settings, such as brightness and Low Power mode, and setting alarms and timers.

Unfortunately, you can't use Siri offline to make phone calls, send text messages, or receive updates from any applications that require an active internet connection to work.

You can give an order to Siri to see if it can perform it offline. If it can't, Siri will display "I can help you when you're connected to the internet" at the bottom of the screen.

6. Check HomeKit timings

HomeKit is a system designed by Apple that allows you to control compatible items in your home from your iPhone. You can use your iPhone to control your smart AC, TV, locks, and more.

The new HomeKit features in iOS 15 will allow you to give time-sensitive commands to Siri. While Siri responded to "Hey Siri, turn off the bedroom lights" before, he will now be able to interpret and execute commands such as "Hey Siri, turn off the bedroom lights at 22:00".

7. Communicate with Siri while keeping the context

Siri is now getting smarter and can understand you without having to give explicit and detailed commands.

For example, if you ask Siri, "How far is the nearest Starbucks?" can you go ahead with a further question like "Is it open now?" instead of having to repeat the question and the original location.

You could say that this feature is somewhat an extension of Siri's ability to keep context when executing commands.

If you have a text conversation with someone open on the screen, or if you look at the contact book in your phonebook, you can tell Siri to text them while using their pronouns instead of their first names.

For example, you can ask Siri to "send them messages to call me back as soon as possible" instead of "Bill Holden's message to call me back as soon as possible."

9. Custom strings

A feedback mechanism will allow Siri to improvise and adapt as you use your iPhone. The more you use Siri, the more it will be customized to suit your needs.

Siri will give you an idea of ​​your general vocabulary, what words and phrases you use often and even what contacts you communicate with the most. This will allow you to have an efficient and personalized experience with Siri, while ensuring constant improvements.

A leap forward for the Apple Virtual Assistant

With voice processing on the device, custom controls, offline operation and the ability to maintain context, Siri has undoubtedly received a major boost with iOS 15.

If you are someone who does not use Siri much, now would be a good time to start and get on the bandwagon. Siri is about to compete with other personal assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.

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