.jpeg)
Apple is making a notable update to its virtual assistant, Siri, by replacing the familiar "Hey Siri" wake phrase with a simpler "Siri" command. This change, implemented in the latest iOS 17 release, aims to enhance user convenience when summoning Siri on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices. The decision aligns with a previous report from Bloomberg, which indicated Apple's intention to transition Siri to a single wake word.
Previously, Apple relied on the two-word phrase "Hey Siri" for easier engineering and training purposes. However, this shift to a single wake word represents a significant departure. In contrast, Amazon's Alexa allows users to activate the assistant with either "Hey Alexa" or just "Alexa," while Microsoft's former voice assistant, Cortana, supported the single wake word "Cortana" before discontinuing its services on iOS and Android in 2021.
As of now, Google Assistant retains the "Hey Google" or "OK Google" wake phrases instead of a single word like "Google." If Google were to adopt a similar approach, careful consideration would be required to prevent unintentional triggering of the assistant during regular conversations where the word "Google" is mentioned. This cautious approach is necessary due to Google's status as a transitive verb, reflecting its dominance in the realm of online search.
With the updated wake word, Apple aims to streamline the Siri experience and provide a more intuitive interaction for its users across various devices. By embracing this change, Apple joins the trend toward simpler and more accessible voice-activated assistants.