Siri is probably the most underutilised feature of our iPhones. Especially for us in India, our thick accents and dodgy internet connections can make Siri more of a nuisance than a help.
However, there’s a lot you can do with Siri if you invest time in training it. You can ask it all kinds of questions (from silly to spiritual), get it open apps, read & send emails and messages, and much more. Basically, Siri is really smart and intelligent, as long as you know how put it to good use.
And now with the recent iOS 10 update, Siri has become even more useful! This is mainly because Apple has opened it up to third-party developers, so now you can use Siri in newer ways and with more apps.
It’s high time that you start taking advantage to this powerful virtual assistant, which is literally a finger tap away!
To demonstrate the powers of Siri, I have listed below 3 cool things that it can now do with iOS 10:
Taking Selfie
If you are not in a sane state to click a selfie yourself (too drunk, perhaps?), then Siri can do it for you:
Activate Siri and say “Take a selfie.” Instantly, the camera app will launch with the front camera ready for you. Snap a fine selfie or record a memorable video. You could also just say “take a pic” instead and take a regular photo with the back camera.
WhatsApp Calls & Message
WhatsApp on iPhone has updated to add Siri Support. This helps you make WhatsApp calls or send WhatsApp texts with just a voice command to Siri. To enjoy this feature, you must first grant access to Siri.
Head to Settings>Siri>App Support>WhatsApp and then switch the toggle on. That’s it! You’ll now be able to use Siri for your WhatsApp requests. Natural language commands such as “place a WhatsApp call to XYZ,” or “send a WhatsApp message to XYZ saying ‘reached’,” etc., should be easy enough for Siri to pick up.
Booking Uber
Uber had announced Siri integration way back in June and assured that we would be able to request an Uber ride and receive real-time updates through Siri’s voice assistance. Later in 2016, Apple officially confirmed that Siri would be able to perform a number of tasks in Uber app, including booking a Uber!
iOS 10 helps instantly book an Uber ride with the support of Siri and Apple Maps. All you need to do is say, “Siri, get me an Uber.” And Siri will take care of the rest. Also, while requesting the Uber ride, you will be able to see the fare for your destination.
Although I could go on and on about how Siri can help you call, message, email your contacts, check for missed calls, listen to voicemails, set reminders, update notes and to-do lists, handle calendar events, set alarms and timers, get directions, check stocks, check weather and forecasts, control music and even put you to sleep by singing you a lullaby … I think the above three use-cases are enough to make you pick up your iPhone and say ‘Hey Siri’!