Even as the Apple, Google tussle take a more drastic
dimension, the later has unveiled an enhanced version of its Voice Search app
feature as a direct challenge to rival Apple's inbuilt Siri software. This is
also coming on the heels of Apple dropping YouTube from its app list due to
expired license and some undisclosed hindrances from Google.
The internet search engine giant
hailed the revamped feature as 'an important step to building the search engine
of the future' after announcing the update this week. Voice Search will be
added to Google's iOS App Store, with iPhone and iPad users able to download
the update over the next few days.
The conversational voice search
feature, which is linked to Google's knowledge graph, will respond to questions
from smartphone users such as 'What movies are playing this weekend?'
Google executive Amit Singhai explained:
'Often the most natural way to ask a question is by asking aloud. 'So we’ve
combined our speech recognition expertise, understanding of language and the
knowledge graph so that Voice Search can better interpret your questions and
sometimes speak the answers back as full sentences.
'You just need to tap the
microphone icon and ask your question, the same way you’d ask a friend. 'For
example, ask “What movies are playing this weekend?” and you’ll see your words
streamed back to you as quickly as you speak.'
He added: 'Then Google will show
you a list of the latest movies in theatres near you, with schedules and even
trailers. 'It works for everything from celebrity factoids to the height of
Kilimanjaro and more. When Google can supply a direct answer to your question,
you’ll get a spoken response too. 'These are baby steps, but important ones on
our way to building the search engine of the future - one that is much more
intelligent and useful than it was just a few years ago. 'It’s a very exciting time
to be working in this field.'
Siri, originally introduced through
the App Store to become an integral part of Apple's iOS after being exclusively
built into the iPhone 4S in 2011, is an intelligent personal assistant and
knowledge navigator which works as an application for Apple's iOS. The
application uses a natural language user interface to answer questions, make
recommendations, and perform actions by delegating requests to a set of Web
services. Apple claims that the software adapts to the user's individual
preferences over time and personalizes results, and performing tasks such as
finding recommendations for nearby restaurants, or getting directions.
Siri was originally introduced as
an iOS application available in the App Store by Siri, Inc., which was acquired
by Apple on April 28, 2010.[3] Siri, Inc. had announced that their software
would be available for BlackBerry and for Android-powered phones, but all
development efforts for non-Apple platforms were cancelled after the
acquisition by Apple.
After launching its Chrome web
browser for iOS last month, Google's updated Voice Search feature provides
another challenge for Apple on its own doorstep. Apple has seemingly responded
to Google's continued encroachment by removing Google's YouTube app from the
beta version of its new iOS6.
The move will follow on from the
lack of Google Maps being featured, as Apple look to use own-brand services on
their products, set to start with the new iPhone (which will be announced at a
conference on 12 September before a potential release date later in the month.
While Apple will retain their
obvious ambitions to become a presence in more digital markets, will the lack
of a link to high-profile video clips hamper sales of their future devices?
Only time will tell.
No comments:
Post a Comment