Researchers affiliated with Apple have been exploring doing away with the “Hey Siri” phrase to wake the virtual assistant, using artificial intelligence instead. Can this mean a seamless, person-like future for virtual assistants?
Virtual assistants such as Alexa and Siri depend on triggers to wake up and listen to the user’s prompts. Currently, these triggers are in the form of actions, such as pressing a button or swiping across the screen, or using keyphrases such as “Alexa,” or “Hey Siri.” These assistants listen for these phrases and only begin recording when triggered., the team reveals three stages to their research.
Despite promising results, and predictions improving as the size of the model grew, it remains unknown if Apple plans to do away with “Hey Siri.”While an always-listening Siri might imply a smooth and seamless experience on paper, the larger looming question remains regarding privacy. Right now, Siri only starts listening after it hears “Hey Siri,” which helps alleviate concerns about constant surveillance.
Given the criticism the likes of Amazon and Apple have faced in the past over how it handles audio data, privacy and trust are certainly a big issue here. , Jen King, a privacy and data policy fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, expressed concern that getting rid of the phrase could imply less transparency from the device.
Earlier this year, the company met further criticism for its malicious compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. While the law intended the likes of Apple to open its platform and allow alternative app stores on the platform, the Cupertino-based company decided to slap any blooming alternative app stores with in Apple’s custom M chips, bringing the company’s big talk on security to question.