A Concept Video for iOS 5 Speech Recognition - MacRumors
Skip to Content

A Concept Video for iOS 5 Speech Recognition

by


Janmike34 posted a nicely produced concept video for how Nuance's voice recognition could be integrated into iOS 5. In essence, text fields can become speech recognition fields by tapping and holding on text fields. This functionality can be offered to 3rd party applications as well using the standard iOS text field.

While a nicely produced video, it's not more impressive than what Google's Android has, nor is it even more impressive than the technology we've known Apple has acquired:


Apple acquired Siri in April 2010. Steve Jobs has said that Siri's acquisition was for their artificial intelligence technology. Nuance is the company that powered Siri's speech recognition, so it's no surprise that Apple is negotiating with Nuance for use of their technology in iOS 5.

[via Reddit]

Top Rated Comments

201 months ago
Yeah I like the vid. However what would make the interface much better, and the reason for it happening, would be for complete control and hands-free ability - having to tap something on the screen defeats the purpose, for instance if you're driving or cooking or in the bathroom or something and you can't/don't want to touch the phone, you should be able to control it completely by voice (like the Knowledge Navigator, or current and actually in use Kinect where you simply say "Xbox ..." followed by the command). If your hands are dirty while cooking and you don't want olive oil or flower do get on/in your iOS device, and you need more information you could say "iPad, next page" or "iPad, what is the next step in the cooking process" or if you get a text you can say "iPhone, read text" and then "iPhone ignore" or "iPhone reply with: ..." and then say the message you want the iPhone to type and send to them while you're still stirring or transferring or coating your food.

I thought about doing so with my current video, but decided not to develop it that way for a few reasons.

My concept originally began with how Mac OS X's speech recognition can function — you can tell the OS to constantly listen using the microphone for a keyword or phrase. Upon hearing that, the OS would then act accordingly to the command stated after the keyword.

The reason why I didn't do this is because of 1) battery life? 2) privacy concerns. I'm sure if I posted a video of such, many of the comments would discuss how the iPhone is always listening...wherever you go. A computer is stationary, but everyone carries their phone everywhere. And with that, the phone is always listening. 3) Many people might have their default keyword be "iPhone". How many people have iPhone's now? I say the word iPhone on my university's bus, and everyone's phone would then ring that familiar sound.

Of course, I have gotten this kind of feedback a lot (re: much more developed speech recognition that should listen in and act accordingly). In the next few days, look out for another video by me that demonstrates such. :)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DocNYz Avatar
201 months ago
Yeah I like the vid. However what would make the interface much better, and the reason for it happening, would be for complete control and hands-free ability - having to tap something on the screen defeats the purpose, for instance if you're driving or cooking or in the bathroom or something and you can't/don't want to touch the phone, you should be able to control it completely by voice (like the Knowledge Navigator, or current and actually in use Kinect where you simply say "Xbox ..." followed by the command). If your hands are dirty while cooking and you don't want olive oil or flower do get on/in your iOS device, and you need more information you could say "iPad, next page" or "iPad, what is the next step in the cooking process" or if you get a text you can say "iPhone, read text" and then "iPhone ignore" or "iPhone reply with: ..." and then say the message you want the iPhone to type and send to them while you're still stirring or transferring or coating your food.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iStudentUK Avatar
201 months ago
This would be great!

But as others have said you need a better way to activate voice control. My mobile 10 years ago would listen for a key phrase and then activate voice dialling, that would be great.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
201 months ago
Heyyyyy I'm famous!

Don't forget to check out my other concept videos on my YouTube channel. More coming soon!

Got an idea? Shoot me a message on YouTube!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Illusion986 Avatar
201 months ago
One of the reasons i don't use voice commands on my iPhone is because holding the home button takes too long, which makes the whole process inconvenient.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kjs862 Avatar
201 months ago
Lik the long press to prompt the system.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 17 pro max battery 1 year

Three Years of 80% Charge Limits on iPhone: The Results

Tuesday October 6, 2026 12:59 pm PDT by
Since 2023, Apple's newer iPhones have had an 80 percent charge limit for those who want to extend battery lifespan. Charging to 80 percent instead of 100 percent is supposed to put less stress on the battery, improving longevity. For the last three years, I've used that setting on my iPhone. I started with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, then did the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and most recently, the iPhone...
apple welcome home event

Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:04 am PDT by
Apple today announced an upcoming product launch that will take place on Tuesday, October 13. We are expecting Apple's announcement to focus on new smart home products, including the long-rumored smart home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The home hub is an all-new device that's like a cross between an iPad and...
MacBook Pro Ultra Feature 1

Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27

Thursday October 8, 2026 1:31 pm PDT by
Apple will introduce new OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models and an OLED iPad mini "on or around" Tuesday, October 27, reports Bloomberg. The launch will also include an M6 14-inch MacBook Pro and an M6 iMac. The October 27 follows Apple's October 13 debut of a new smart home hub, a revamped Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini. Earlier this month, MacRumors reported that Apple would do ...
Latest Stories
Accessory Deals This Weekend: Save on TVs, Headphones, and Smart Home Gear
Accessory Deals This Weekend: Save on TVs, Headphones, and Smart Home Gear
58 minutes ago
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
1 hour ago
Apple Announcing HomePod Mini 2 Next Week With These New Features
Apple Announcing HomePod Mini 2 Next Week With These New Features
1 hour ago
A New Apple TV 4K is Finally Coming on Tuesday
A New Apple TV 4K is Finally Coming on Tuesday
1 hour ago
Top Stories: Apple's 'Welcome Home' Launch on October 13 and More
Top Stories: Apple's 'Welcome Home' Launch on October 13 and More
2 hours ago
Apple Stores Will Add Your Name to iPhone Duo's Startup Screen
Apple Stores Will Add Your Name to iPhone Duo's Startup Screen
16 hours ago
SpaceX Inches Closer to Becoming a U.S. Carrier
SpaceX Inches Closer to Becoming a U.S. Carrier
16 hours ago
Apple Potentially Behind 'HomeView' Trademark Filed Alongside 'homeOS' Last Year
Apple Potentially Behind 'HomeView' Trademark Filed Alongside 'homeOS' Last Year
18 hours ago
Mark Your Calendar: Six Important Apple Dates Coming Up This Month
Mark Your Calendar: Six Important Apple Dates Coming Up This Month
19 hours ago
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a Nylon Band From Southern Straps
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a Nylon Band From Southern Straps
22 hours ago
First Apple TV 4K Now 'Vintage' Ahead of New Model Coming on Tuesday
First Apple TV 4K Now 'Vintage' Ahead of New Model Coming on Tuesday
23 hours ago
The MacRumors Show: Apple's Smart Home Products Are Coming
The MacRumors Show: Apple's Smart Home Products Are Coming
23 hours ago
Apple Shares Fall After News of iPhone 18 Pro Order Cuts
Apple Shares Fall After News of iPhone 18 Pro Order Cuts
23 hours ago
Leak Details iPhone Features for Apple's LG Home Accessories
Leak Details iPhone Features for Apple's LG Home Accessories
1 day ago
Prime Day Leftover Deals: AirPods Max 2 for $429, Mac Mini for $779.99, and More
Prime Day Leftover Deals: AirPods Max 2 for $429, Mac Mini for $779.99, and More
1 day ago
Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon
Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon
1 day ago
Mac Shipments Fall, But Apple Still Gains Ground in Shrinking Market
Mac Shipments Fall, But Apple Still Gains Ground in Shrinking Market
1 day ago
Apple Reportedly Cuts iPhone 18 Pro Orders After Price Hike Dampens Demand
Apple Reportedly Cuts iPhone 18 Pro Orders After Price Hike Dampens Demand
1 day ago
Apple Signs Hiring and Licensing Deal With AI Podcast Startup Huxe
Apple Signs Hiring and Licensing Deal With AI Podcast Startup Huxe
1 day ago
Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming
Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming
2 days ago
Anthropic Says Users Can't Be Needlessly Cruel to Claude
Anthropic Says Users Can't Be Needlessly Cruel to Claude
2 days ago
Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27
Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27
2 days ago
Apple Now Pushing iPhone Users Still on iOS 26 to Install iOS 27
Apple Now Pushing iPhone Users Still on iOS 26 to Install iOS 27
2 days ago
Apple Has a New M&A Chief as Ternus Reshuffles Leadership
Apple Has a New M&A Chief as Ternus Reshuffles Leadership
2 days ago
Prepare for Apple's New Home Hub With These HomeKit Accessory Deals
Prepare for Apple's New Home Hub With These HomeKit Accessory Deals
2 days ago
Tim Cook Says He's 'Not Meddling' With Apple's New CEO John Ternus
Tim Cook Says He's 'Not Meddling' With Apple's New CEO John Ternus
2 days ago
Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch
Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch
2 days ago
Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'
Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'
2 days ago
Amazon Unveils New iPad Rivals With Alexa+ and Google Play
Amazon Unveils New iPad Rivals With Alexa+ and Google Play
2 days ago
Missed Prime Day? You Can Still Score Big on Apple Devices Today
Missed Prime Day? You Can Still Score Big on Apple Devices Today
2 days ago