Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Siri’s Personality

Buster Hein:

Siri is about to get a huge upgrade in the way it answers users questions and searches.

In a new job listing posted today, Apple says it is seeking a writer and editor who can help evolve Siri from one of the most-criticized digital assistants into a “distinct, recognizable character.”

[…]

Apple says the ideal candidate excels at the craft of writing and loves language and wordplay. The person hired will probably have a huge influence on how Siri interacts and converses with users by injecting more personality into the digital assistant.

Via Dan Masters:

Don’t you get it, Apple? Users don’t care about Siri being a “distinct, recognizable character”.

They want it to “just work”.

3 Comments RSS · Twitter


Well... I didn't think there was anything that Apple could do to make me use Siri less than I already do, I was wrong.


I think these things are cool from a 1980/1990 view of Sci-fi, but those stories always ended poorly when machines were given discrete personality. I do agree, works properly is charming in its own right. Let's focus on functional and reliable.


Ford: They make a big thing of the ship’s cybernetics. “A new generation of Sirius Cybernetics Corporation robots and computers, with the new GPP feature.”

Arthur: GPP? What’s that?

Ford: Er… It says Genuine People Personalities.

Arthur: Sounds ghastly.

F/X: DOOR HUMS OPEN WITH A SORT OF OPTIMISTIC SOUND.

Marvin: It is.

Arthur: W… What?

Marvin: Ghastly. It all is — absolutely ghastly. Just don’t even talk about it. Look at this door. “All the doors on this spacecraft have a cheerful and sunny disposition. It is their pleasure to open for you, and their satisfaction to close again with the knowledge of a job well done!”

F/X: DOOR CLOSES WITH A SATISFIED SIGH

Marvin: Hateful, isn't it?

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