iOS 14: downloadable custom voice synthesizers to replace built-in speech voices
iOS 14 could let you replace the default Siri voice feedback with something a bit more punchy, like a custom voice synthesizers for “Space Odyssey”‘s HAL 9000 computer.
Voice assistants
Tip: ask Siri on your iPhone or iPad to take you back to the Home screen, hands-free
Learn about the new Siri Home screen voice command in iOS 13.4 that enables you to quickly go back to the Home screen, hands-free, on your iPhone and iPad.
How to override iOS Facedown Detection to use “Hey Siri” when iPhone is face down or covered
Learn how to temporarily override Facedown Detection so your iPhone responds to the “Hey Siri” wake-up phrase even when it’s kept with its face down on a table or covered.
Ethical question: should you disclose smart speakers like HomePod to guests?
If you own a smart speaker like HomePod or a similar device that comes with an always-on assistant, should you make visitors aware they might be recorded at all times?
Apple to keep reviewing computer-generated transcriptions of your Siri audio requests
After an iOS update with a Siri grading opt-in drops, Apple will continue reviewing computer-generated transcriptions of your Siri audio requests regardless of your opt-in status.
Apple contractors were expected to listen to 1,000 clips of Siri recordings every shift
Apple’s contractors in Ireland were expected to listen to more than a thousand audio clips of Siri recordings every shift before the Cupertino tech giant suspended the controversial practice last month.
Siri on watchOS 6 lets you find apps, identify songs and search topics on the web
Siri in watchOS 6 allows you to do new things such as find apps on App Store, identify tunes playing around you and search a topic on the web, all directly from your wrist.
A United Nations report says Siri and other female smart assistants reinforce gender bias
A United Nations report indirectly accuses smart assistant providers like Apple, Google and Microsoft of reinforcing gender bias by using female assistant voices by default.
Bloomberg: Amazon is readying an AirPods rival with better sound and built-in Alexa access
Bloomberg is reporting that Amazon is gearing up to launch its first Alexa wearable with built-in Alexa access and better sound than AirPods sometime in the second half of 2019.
Google’s creepy human-sounding AI that can book a reservation for you is coming to iPhone
Google’s eerie human-sounding AI helper that can make an actual phone call and make a restaurant reservation for you is coming to iPhone.
How to create an Alexa Voice Profile on Amazon Echo speaker
You can make your Amazon Echo speaker experience more personalized. Set up an Alexa Voice Profile and your voice will be recognized every time you speak.
Google is rolling out Assistant in Maps for iOS
Google’s voice-activated Assistant feature can now help you navigate in Google Maps for iPhone and iPad, play music, reply to messages and more.
