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Apple testing new natural language AI features for Siri

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In a new report from 9to5Mac, it has been uncovered that Apple is working on new natural language generation technology for Siri. The new technology has reportedly been included in the latest tvOS 16.4 beta, and is codenamed “Bobcat.” For now, Apple is focusing on advancing Siri with the new technology on tvOS, with the technology eventually coming to all of Apple’s operating systems.

Apple has enabled the new framework for “Siri Natural Language Generation” in the latest tvOS 16.4 beta. As of now, it is only being used for telling jokes with Siri on Apple TV, however, Apple seems to be experimenting with using the new capabilities for timers as well.

Though the technology has only been enabled on Apple TV so far, 9to5Mac has found code referencing these features across iPhone, iPad, Mac, HomePod, and Apple TV, indicating its eventual expansion. Image credit: Business Insider Although Apple is working on natural language generation features, this does not mean Apple is working on any chatbot or other AI projects. Apple hopes, instead, to use the technology to improve the current Siri assistant’s functionality. Currently, Siri runs on a system based on templates, rather than this type of generative AI technology. Bringing the new natural language generation features to the assistant will help Apple maintain a more competitive viral assistant.

Though it is unclear when Apple could expand this new technology beyond Apple TV, it will be important for Apple to test these new features for a while before launching any other AI-related technology to the public.

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Published to Apple Scoop on 16th March, 2023.