Apple calls on Google to help smarten up Siri and bring other AI features to the iPhone

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Category: Technology/Innovations

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. versatile / ˈvɜr sə ˌtl / (adj.) – able to do many different things well or be useful in many situations
    Example:

    She designed a versatile app that can be used for work, study, and entertainment at the same time.


  2. subtly / ˈsʌt l li / (adv.) – in a quiet or small way that is not easy to notice but still has an effect
    Example:

    He subtly changed the topic to avoid an argument.


  3. shortcoming / ˈʃɔrtˌkʌm ɪŋ / (n.) – a fault, problem, or weakness that makes someone or something less effective or successful
    Example:

    The staff addressed the shortcomings in the software, so it now works better.


  4. coup / ku / (n.) – a clever or successful action that brings a big advantage or achieves something important
    Example:

    Getting the famous actor to appear in the ad was a real coup for the company.


  5. intensify / ɪnˈtɛn səˌfaɪ / (v.) – to make something stronger or more serious
    Example:

    The storm has intensified, bringing stronger winds and heavier rain.


Article

Read the text below.

Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch-up in technology’s latest craze.


The deal allowing Apple to tap into Google’s AI technology was disclosed in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google’s Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed “Apple Intelligence” on the iPhone and other products.


After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade.


But many of Apple’s AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker.


Google even subtly mocked the iPhone’s AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer.


Apple’s AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn’t happen until some point during 2026.


Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google’s competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Apple and Google compete with each other, and Google has even made ads that subtly mocked the iPhone. Why do you think a company like Apple would still choose to work with a competitor in this situation? If you were one of the people making decisions at Apple, would you agree to ask for Google’s help? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • When a company asks a competitor for help to improve its product, how do you think this affects how customers see the brand? Do you think people will like the company more, like it less, or does it not change their opinion? Why do you think so? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Smartphones now offer many new features, like AI tools and assistants. When choosing a phone, what kinds of features matter most to you? Why are those features important in your daily life? Discuss.
  • Sometimes phones have missing or slow features. How do you feel when your phone cannot do something you need? Would this make you think about changing to another brand, or would you wait and keep your phone? Discuss.