Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Apple Launches Beta Version of New Siri Shortcuts App for iOS 12
Apple today introduced a beta version of the Siri Shortcuts app that's been designed for iOS 12, which developers can request access to through the Developer Center.
The Shortcuts beta is being handled through TestFlight, with a "Request" option for access available after logging in to the Developer Center. After clicking the button to request access, Apple says selected users will be notified shortly via email if they're permitted access.
Siri Shortcuts is based on the Workflow app that Apple purchased in 2017, allowing users to create multi-step shortcuts using third-party apps, which can then be activated using a Siri voice command.
So, for example, you can create a shortcut to do something like turn on the thermostat at home using the Nest app, text your roommate that you're on the way with Messages, and open up the Maps app with directions home all with a single "I'm going home" Siri command.
Shortcuts are deeply customizable, with third-party apps able to expose a series of quick actions to Siri that can be incorporated into Shortcut recipes.
When iOS 12 was introduced, Apple said a Shortcuts app would be available in the fall, but it wasn't clear if a beta version would be available. Right now, in the iOS 12 beta, a limited number of Shortcuts can be created within the Siri section of the Settings app, but the Shortcuts app will be required for full functionality.
According to Apple, the initial beta of Shortcuts will have limited actions, no iCloud syncing, and some missing actions. Shortcuts are also not able to open apps when run from Siri when a device is locked.
Testers who have Workflow installed will see their workflows migrated to shortcuts after installing the beta.
It's not clear if Apple will also release a beta version of the Shortcuts app for public beta testers, but this first iteration is limited to developers.
The Shortcuts beta is being handled through TestFlight, with a "Request" option for access available after logging in to the Developer Center. After clicking the button to request access, Apple says selected users will be notified shortly via email if they're permitted access.
Siri Shortcuts is based on the Workflow app that Apple purchased in 2017, allowing users to create multi-step shortcuts using third-party apps, which can then be activated using a Siri voice command.
So, for example, you can create a shortcut to do something like turn on the thermostat at home using the Nest app, text your roommate that you're on the way with Messages, and open up the Maps app with directions home all with a single "I'm going home" Siri command.
Shortcuts are deeply customizable, with third-party apps able to expose a series of quick actions to Siri that can be incorporated into Shortcut recipes.
When iOS 12 was introduced, Apple said a Shortcuts app would be available in the fall, but it wasn't clear if a beta version would be available. Right now, in the iOS 12 beta, a limited number of Shortcuts can be created within the Siri section of the Settings app, but the Shortcuts app will be required for full functionality.
According to Apple, the initial beta of Shortcuts will have limited actions, no iCloud syncing, and some missing actions. Shortcuts are also not able to open apps when run from Siri when a device is locked.
Testers who have Workflow installed will see their workflows migrated to shortcuts after installing the beta.
It's not clear if Apple will also release a beta version of the Shortcuts app for public beta testers, but this first iteration is limited to developers.
Related Roundup: iOS 12
Tag: Siri Guide
[ 150 comments ]
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14 months ago
I have all but given up on Siri except only for the most basic tasks like: Set a Timer for 5 minutes. The Google voice app is infinitely better than Siri.
Since Apple has apparently given up on making computers to become a phone company, the least they could do is make AI software that works well.
Since Apple has apparently given up on making computers to become a phone company, the least they could do is make AI software that works well.
14 months ago
Finally something really exciting for iOS.... There are some great possibilities with this.
14 months ago
This coupled with custom SiriKit intents has potential to be huge.
Being able to say “Hey Siri, I’m going to bed” and have Siri automatically start a Sleep Cycle session and enable Do Not Disturb until morning would be fantastic. (I don’t have any HomeKit accessories, but if I did, it’d be amazing if they’d fold into that command, too.)
Being able to say “Hey Siri, I’m going to bed” and have Siri automatically start a Sleep Cycle session and enable Do Not Disturb until morning would be fantastic. (I don’t have any HomeKit accessories, but if I did, it’d be amazing if they’d fold into that command, too.)
14 months ago
Can someone provide a link to request? I’m having trouble finding it on the Developer portal.
https://developer.apple.com/download/
Then at "Shortcuts beta" click "Request".
[doublepost=1530813758][/doublepost]
I have all but given up on Siri except only for the most basic tasks like: Set a Timer for 5 minutes. The Google voice app is infinitely better than Siri.
Since Apple has apparently given up on making computers to become a phone company, the least they could do is make AI software that works well.
As if Google Assistant is good for anything...
(https://postimg.cc/image/kb2jx8xm3/)
14 months ago
They need to focus on making Siri work properly before trying to extend it.
Shortcuts is both a fix and an extension of Siri.
The architecture being rolled out for Shortcuts will also be used for Apple's own native Siri actions, replacing an outdated Siri architecture that wasn't scalable.
The introduction of Shortcuts has been widely underrated. For all of you criticizing Siri for years, this is the fix and it's finally here. This is absolutely huge.
14 months ago
Finally. Hey Siri lock this bitch down
Locks all doors and turns off all lights in the house. I’ve been waiting years to do this ...
[doublepost=1530815396][/doublepost]
Works today if you install homebridge
Locks all doors and turns off all lights in the house. I’ve been waiting years to do this ...
[doublepost=1530815396][/doublepost]
Soooo....does this mean the Nest thermostat could work with Siri pretty soon?! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Works today if you install homebridge
14 months ago
They need to focus on making Siri work properly before trying to extend it.
One of the reasons it doesn't work properly is a lack of the functionality that Siri shortcuts app provides.
14 months ago
I use HomeKit everyday and utilize the "scenes" as needed. I'll follow this thread for more examples of how shortcuts will actually shorten time on tasks. It reminds me of the original thinking that made iPod great as it reduced buttons and steps to get somewhere...
But I can already use Siri to tell my roommate (wife) I'm on my way home but just saying it... So that is sort of a weak example, no? Plus, are people using this and programming texts ahead of time to multiple people. (Text my boss I'm late for work... text my landlord the rent is late..."
With custom configurations on this, the possibilities really are endless and I'm looking forward to it
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