Apple iOS 10 News and Features: Siri to Feature Third-Party App Integration; Support for Apple TV and Mac
Siri will Now Be Able to Call You an Uber, Search Pinterest, and So Much More
The new iPhone 7 lineup is set to arrive next week, and with it is the iOS 10. The iPhone and its iOS platform has had a long standing relationship, with which updates on its virtual assistant is integral. With this, the iOS 10 brings forth new features to Siri.
Welcome Developers
The biggest feature addition to Siri would be the more extensive third-party app integration. Using just your voice, you can now interact with various apps from within the Siri interface. All of this is possible through Apple's move to open Siri to developers. The new SiriKit allows developers to extend their app interface toward a certain communication process with Siri.
Siri has long been offering third-party app integration such as Twitter and Yelp, but interaction has been limited. With the new implementation, users will be able to virtually talk with their apps more broadly.
Hey Siri
Apple will implement the "Hey Siri" command to hail the virtual assistant, followed by your instruction to open the required third-party app. Pinterest will open if you ask Siri to open pins for, say, fashion or creativity and inspiration. Square Cash will then open if you command it to pay someone with the app. This would give users much faster access to Square Cash than always using the Touch ID when launching the app, selecting the recipient, then choosing the amount in separate steps.
You can also send LinkedIn messages to your contacts, and search photos using keywords with The Roll app. More third-party apps including Pikazo, Vogue, Runway, Looklive, and Mozo now support the new Siri feature. A whole lot more apps are expected to feature the Siri integration as development is still in early stages.
Messaging with Third-Party Apps
Siri will also support third-party messaging with the iOS 10. Previously, only the native Messages and Mail apps are supported. Now, third-party apps, like WhatsApp, can send, read, and automate messages through Siri.
Book a Ride
Calling an Uber or a Lyft is also possible. Ordering Siri to take you home will input your current location, hail an Uber or taxi app of your choice, give an estimated time, then book for you.
Apple TV support
Siri is not limited for mobile users though, as Apple TV still features the virtual assistant. The next update of Apple TV will include a native YouTube searching feature. There will also be a feature to let users jump to live TV upon command. Searching for specific movie categories such as genre, actor, director, release date, and more, would also be available. The new features will also be coming to iPhone's Remote Application.
Siri for Mac
Mac users also get some Siri love as opening normal tasks using voice command would be possible. Toggling specific settings like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi would also be available. In addition to the usual Siri features, searching through files and activities would also be implemented.