Is Siri about to come to the iPad?

Get ready, new iPad owners. It looks like you're in store to get Siri sooner rather than later.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

One of the most glaring omissions from Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) latest and greatest third-generation iPad was the lack of Siri, the company's voice-activated virtual assistant. Siri is also one of the main selling points of the iPhone 4S, class action lawsuits notwithstanding. In its stead, the new iPad merely got a Voice Dictation feature for transcription services, while missing out on the full-blown assistant features.

A recent round of rumours now suggests that Siri may finally be making its way to the iPad with the release of iOS 6. One of the likely reasons that Siri wasn't initially included was the lack of constant network connectivity, so Apple will need to make sure users are aware that Siri needs to phone home to Apple's data centres to function properly so as to avoid a confusing experience.

I was a bit surprised that Siri wasn't included at the new tablet's launch, but better late than never. At the All Things Digital D10 conference last week, CEO Tim Cook also said the company is planning on "doubling down" on Siri this year, subtly acknowledging that the assistant might not have lived up to user expectations thus far. There's also renewed talk that Apple may finally include developer APIs so that third-party apps could tap into Siri's functionality.

As the provider of the backend recognition, Nuance Communications (Nasdaq: NUAN) will make the assistant possible. On the last conference call, Nuance CEO Paul Ricci said that mobile revenue growth should continue to accelerate and that it was able to book more sales in the quarter upon "the completion of some of the milestones on existing contracts."

Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) continues to push forward with its own in-house voice-recognition offerings, and inclusion in Android tablets seems inevitable.

Get ready, new iPad owners. It looks like you're in store to get Siri sooner rather than later.

If you're in the market for some high yielding ASX shares, look no further than our "Secure Your Future with 3 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks" report. In this free report, we've put together our best ideas for investors who are looking for solid companies with high dividends and good growth potential. Click here now to find out the names of our three favourite income ideas. But hurry – the report is free for only a limited time.

 More reading

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

A version of this article, written by Evan Niu, originally appeared on fool.com

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »