As Apple continues its work on a revamped version of Siri, a new report from Bloomberg today has details on the company’s testing process. Mark Gurman reports that Apple has developed a “ChatGPT-like app to help test and prepare” for the launch of the next-generation version of Siri.
The report details that Apple doesn’t currently plan to launch the app to the public. Instead, the company is using it as a way to evaluate new features for Siri. Bloomberg explains:
“The app essentially takes the still-in-progress technology from the new Siri and puts it in a form employees can test out more efficiently. The company also can gather feedback on whether the chatbot format has value.”
The app is described as resembling most popular chatbots. It lets Apple users “manage multiple conversations across different topics” and can “save and reference past chats, follow up on earlier queries and support extended back-and-forth exchanges.”
As Bloomberg notes, Apple executives have expressed doubt about the usefulness of chatbot interfaces for artificial intelligence features. In an interview with Joanna Stern at WWDC this year, Apple’s Craig Federighi said Apple wants to build an experience that is “integrated into everything you do, not a bolt-on chatbot on the side.”
As Apple works on its upgraded Siri with features like in-app actions and personal context, it is reportedly developing two versions of the system. One of those systems is powered by Apple’s own AI models, while the other is built on external models from companies like Google. The current goal inside Apple is to launch the revamped version of Siri next spring.
Apple is also working on a new “Answers” project that reportedly aims to create a “new ChatGPT-like search experience” using Apple’s in-house AI services.
Do you think Apple should release a ChatGPT-style chatbot app to the public, or should it focus on integrating similar features into the dedicated Siri interface?
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