Siri may not016 Archivesgetting the major update in iOS 12 that some had hoped for, but Apple still added a powerful new tool to the voice-activated assistant's wheelhouse: Shortcuts.
Siri Shortcuts is a standalone app that lets you set app-specific shortcuts to use with Siri. The feature will take a bit of work to set up, but it should make it much easier to use Siri with all the apps you're already using.
SEE ALSO: 8 things Apple didn't tell us about iOS 12It's an important update for Apple. Siri's lackluster third-party app support has long been one of the assistant's biggest drawbacks, and Siri Shortcuts gives users a level of customization that hasn't been possible up until now.
At a basic level, Siri Shortcuts lets you automate the tasks you perform every day when you use apps. This can be one-step actions, like ordering a cup of coffee, or multi-step processes that involve several different apps.
One simple example Apple used onstage was accessing hotel reservation info from the Kayak app. Instead of having to launch the app and search for that info, you can use the new "add to Siri" functionality.
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Once added to Siri, you just record a shortcut -- the phrase you want to use with Siri to trigger the action (in the Kayak example, it was "travel plans"). Once enabled, using that phrase with Siri will bring up the information directly from Kayak without launching the app.
But these shortcuts can be much more powerful. If you've ever used the Workflow app, then you have an idea of just how helpful it can be to chain multiple apps together into a single process.
We only got a brief look at the Siri Shortcuts app -- it's not part of the initial developer beta, according to early testers -- which looks very similar to Workflow, the automation app Apple acquired last year.
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Like Workflow, the Shortcuts app will use a drag and drop interface so you can create very specific triggers. For example, you could set up a shortcut for your daily commute that will bring up directions, send a text message, adjust your thermostat, and start playing your radio station just by telling Siri "I'm going home."
Again, it's worth repeating that this a huge amount of flexibility compared with Siri's integration with third-parties in iOS 11. Instead of only working with a handful of specific types of apps, Shortcuts will make it easy to access just about any app using Siri.
Shortcuts will still require a bit of work from developers to fully take advantage of the feature, but it should be welcome
Creating custom shortcuts via the app is the most powerful way to leverage the new feature, but it also requires a bit of work to set up, which is not something everyone will want to take the time to do. But even if you don't go through the process of manually creating your own shortcuts, you'll still benefit from the feature thanks to another one called Siri Suggestions.
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Like Shortcuts, Siri Suggestions automates common tasks you do inside of apps without going to the trouble of having to actually launch the app. But instead of having to ask Siri yourself, the assistant will suggest the action right on your lock screen based on your prior behavior.
For example, if you always open a meditation app after waking up, or put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode while at the theatre, iOS 12 will be able to proactively send you notifications to do these things.
So whether you use the Shortcuts app or just rely on Siri's new Suggestions feature, Apple's assistant should be making your life at least a little bit easier in iOS 12.
Topics Apple Artificial Intelligence Siri
NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for May 18: Tips to solve Connections #237
Here's how to hide iMessage apps in iOS 11
Jimmy Kimmel's baby may save healthcare for 30 million people
58% of men in tech say there are enough women in leadership roles, but women don't agree
Best Kindle Unlimited deal: Get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for 99 cents
Facebook just copied MySpace's worst feature to creep on your friends
Sound can be weaponized, but it might not be behind attacks in Cuba
Now there's a Porsche superyacht because regular yachts are for suckers
No Time for a Negative Peace
Looks like Damon Lindelof is full steam ahead on that 'Watchmen' show for HBO
What's Thermal Throttling and How to Prevent It
Data to track over a half of a million cars leaked out online
Facebook to hand more than 3,000 Russian ads to Congress
BlackBerry teams with Delphi for cybersecurity for self
Apple iPhone 17 Pro leaks highlight major new design change
Mark Zuckerberg's refusal to make Russia
iOS 11 makes sexting on Snapchat riskier than ever. That's why you need the next update.
Report claims iPhone X production hasn't even started yet
The Amazon Book Sale is coming April 23 through 28
Nicaragua joins Paris Agreement, leaving just U.S. and Syria behind
Robocalls, WeChat messages, and more spread misinformation on Election DayExtremely excited pup just can't wait to catch the bus to doggy schoolMale beauty blogger transforms into Emma Watson and it's uncannyYou might be able to test out Dark Mode in the Facebook app right nowHow to watch and listen to Election Day results onlineTesla's 'Full SelfTesla's 'Full SelfGoFundMe erased campaigns for man accused of killing counterObama's Charlottesville response just became mostMariah Carey kicks off the holiday season, those are the rulesThe Gap's hilariously bad unity sweatshirt accidentally unites people who hate it'Bachelor in Paradise' inadvertently joins the impeach Trump trainTesla's 'Full SelfUber was so sloppy with your data that it will be audited for the next 20 yearsCan you name the 3 branches of government? This meme offers up some, uh, creative answers.Little girl's first 'magic trick' fools no one but the dogBarack Obama delivered a special message for Chance the Rapper and Chicago13 best tweets of the week, including Kim Kardashian roasts, Mariah Carey, and Jar Jar BingHow to manage your anxiety while waiting to hear if Trump or Biden wonTwitter continues to label Trump's misinformation about vote count Asus VivoWatch 6 AERO measures blood pressure and ECG Grok now has a memory How to use Instagram Blend, Meta's new Reels feature Barcelona Open 2025 livestream: Watch live tennis for free Best soundbar deal: Save $329 on the Bose 550 Dolby Atmos soundbar Best Apple deal: Save 10% on Apple accessories when trading in a device in Best massage gun deal: Save $20 on TOLOCO Massage Gun Best JBL deal: Save $20 on JBL Clip 5 Skullcandy Method 360 ANC: Bose Microsoft Outlook Classic bug will will devour your CPU usage Today's Hurdle hints and answers for April 17, 2025 Take up to 47% off tech and toys from Lego, Sony, Ninja, and more at Amazon NYT Connections hints and answers for April 17: Tips to solve 'Connections' #676. Best console deal: Get the Nintendo Switch OLED Model for under $250 at Woot Best Samsung deal: Save $90 on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 ChatGPT introduces an image library to store your generated photos NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for April 17: Tips to solve Connections #206 'The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion' remake screenshots leak ahead of possible release Android phones will now automatically reboot every 3 days Best Amazon deal: Save 28% on the Amazon Echo Hub
2.0629s , 10133.4296875 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【2016 Archives】,Unobstructed Information Network