Source: Bloomberg
Summary
Apple plans to introduce a new version of Siri at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), with a focus on privacy. The updated virtual assistant is expected to include features that give users more control over their data and how it’s used. According to Bloomberg, the new Siri will be able to perform tasks without sending as much personal data to Apple’s servers. The company has been working to improve Siri’s functionality and privacy in response to growing concerns about data protection.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds ambitious.
Apple’s new Siri promises to do more with less data. Because that’s exactly what we needed – another “revolutionary” virtual assistant. The company claims the updated Siri will be able to perform tasks locally on devices, rather than sending data to Apple’s servers. Because local processing is a brand new concept. Apple is just now getting around to addressing the privacy concerns that have been around since, oh, the dawn of virtual assistants.
It’s just another iteration of the “we care about your privacy” script.
More of the Same
It seems like just yesterday we were hearing about how Siri was going to change the world. Now, it’s just another virtual assistant trying to keep up with the Joneses. The fact that Apple is just now focusing on privacy is a reminder that the company is more concerned with being seen as innovative than actually innovating.
The Usual Promises
Apple’s promises of improved functionality and enhanced privacy are nothing new. We’ve heard it all before, and we’ll likely hear it all again in a year or two when the next “revolutionary” update comes along. The fact remains that Siri is still a virtual assistant, and it’s still going to collect and use your data in some way.
The Never-Ending Cycle
It’s the same story every year – a new update, a new set of promises, and a new wave of hype. Meanwhile, the underlying issues remain the same. Apple’s focus on privacy is a step in the right direction, but it’s just a small part of a much larger problem. Until the company addresses the root of the issue, we’ll just be stuck in this never-ending cycle of updates and promises.
Author: Evan Null
