Apple hopes firm it acquired last year will take Siri to the next level

Microsoft's unveiling of its own virtual personal assistant apparently has Apple working on ways to bring Siri to the next level. To help them with this task, Apple has turned to speech recognition firm Novauris Technologies. The latter was formed from the U.K. research arm of Dragon Systems, and Apple purchased the firm last year, although it never was announced.

Apple has turned to its acquisition to improve Siri's speech recognition. Novauris has been working on large vocabulary automatic speech recognition, to help snag information stored in a mobile device. Novauris Technology's products can search a phone's contacts list, apps, music, and navigation. It can also search inside the App Store for a specific app.

There already is a connection between Novauris and Siri. When Siri launched with the Apple iPhone 4s in 2011, it was powered by Nuance, which purchased Dragon. And as we said earlier, Novauris' staff came from Dragon's U.K. research arm. Now, Apple is hoping that Siri can be re-energized to not only take on Google Now, but also Cortana.

source: TechCrunch

14 Comments

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posted on 03 Apr 2014, 21:56 1

1. cheeseycheeser (Posts: 413; Member since: 24 Mar 2011)

My problem with Siri is that the responses are weighted way too heavily towards being helpful and whitty, instead of actually provided help.
The only thing I find Siri useful for is sending messages and checking the weather. There needs to be greater, developed functionality, as well as improved voice recognition.

posted on 03 Apr 2014, 22:28

3. quakan (Posts: 1395; Member since: 02 Mar 2011)

I wish Siri gave me more answers. Most of the time it just gives me web results unless I ask simple stuff like weather, sports, etc.

posted on 04 Apr 2014, 03:31 1

6. TechFreak123 (Posts: 85; Member since: 25 Feb 2014)

It seems like you are talking about a service that is already available called google now.

posted on 03 Apr 2014, 22:07 4

2. ScottSchneider (Posts: 336; Member since: 06 Dec 2011)

Things are getting hotter everyday for Apple... Probably 2014-15 will see a good advancement in mobile tech as WP8.1 is here with all the needed stuff.. As with Siri., It has a tough time to recognise what I say.. My preference is Google Now.. IT gives me what I NEED, and WHEN i need it...

posted on 03 Apr 2014, 22:56

4. Mxyzptlk (unregistered)

Only because it has a firm grasp on the data your phone provides. If you ask me, Google Now knows when a user needs that info a little too well.

posted on 04 Apr 2014, 06:29 1

7. RebelwithoutaClue (Posts: 3430; Member since: 05 Apr 2013)

Like Apple doesnt know anything about you at all. iBeacons, passbook, next up health monitor. All data you're sending to Apple.

posted on 04 Apr 2014, 08:49

8. darkkjedii (Posts: 23906; Member since: 05 Feb 2011)

Mxy, you are aware that most of these guys blasting Siri don't use it right? Most are notorious iOS haters, that only use android, and say this to diss iOS, but never use Siri period. Taters comes to mind. Think about it bro...

posted on 04 Apr 2014, 11:35 1

10. PBXtech (Posts: 1032; Member since: 21 Oct 2013)

It's irony saying that to a guy that bashes Android, but never uses it.

posted on 05 Apr 2014, 02:04

14. techperson211 (Posts: 1280; Member since: 27 Feb 2014)

Well you really don't know what to say with that guy. Worshipping fruit like a god . Saying apple haters are just haters but when you read all his comment he hates android too like android devices just copied apple. Where in fact I really don't remember what technology apple invented . Ah there's 1 pinch to zoom. That's about it.

posted on 04 Apr 2014, 20:59

13. Arte-8800 (banned) (Posts: 4562; Member since: 13 Mar 2014)

Even if they patent troll and bully others still Apple is right and they are angels?

If you wouldn't care what Apple or other Oems do as long as you buy there products and still agree doing wrong us right, then this surely negates if you see someone asking needing for help you wouldn't give a dime,,,,?

Must've I've been assertive

posted on 03 Apr 2014, 23:59 4

5. Anshulonweb (Posts: 431; Member since: 07 Feb 2014)

I rarely see anyone use siri or s voice or other voice assistance..... it is not a big deal...manufacturers should focus on other things such as battery life

posted on 04 Apr 2014, 09:06

9. blingblingthing (Posts: 570; Member since: 23 Oct 2012)

With Google now. Information gets pushed to me. No need to really call for it.

posted on 04 Apr 2014, 12:00

11. NokiaFTW (Posts: 2072; Member since: 24 Oct 2012)

Good to see Apple steppin' it up after the release of Cortana.

posted on 04 Apr 2014, 14:07

12. frydaexiii (Posts: 1473; Member since: 01 Dec 2011)

Ugh, it's been what 3 years? And they're still not giving up on this crap? Seriously, who uses voice assistants on a regular basis?