Andrew O'Hara
Siri is getting quite the upgrade in iOS 12 thanks to new capabilities called shortcuts. These customizable macros let you link together multiple tasks, allowing Siri to run a series of actions without ever having to open an app.
Seemingly built on technology acquired through last year's purchase of Workflow, shortcuts allows users to create their own multi-app and iOS action macros with a new Shortcuts Editor app.
Very similar to Amazon Alexa's skills, Siri shortcuts allow apps to create their own shortcuts to tie into Siri. During Monday's keynote, the Tile app was used to create a shortcut to help recover lost items by saying "find my keys," which triggered a Bluetooth-enabled Tile tracker to ring. Kayak was also demoed onstage, presenting users a summary on an upcoming trip with a simple voice command.
Also demoed was an "I'm heading home" shortcut, which when triggered automatically texted a contact with a preset message, adjusted a HomeKit thermostat, turned on a fan, presented estimated travel time and started playing NPR radio.
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William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
37 Comments
Wow, this is exactly what I was asking for!
This is clearly based on that Workflow acquisition from a year ago. Really really great news. Inter-app scripting empowers users to push their computers beyond the confines of what Apple and developers imagine.
https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/22/apple-has-acquired-workflow-a-powerful-automation-tool-for-ipad-and-iphone/
This was clearly done by the team Apple bought not too long ago, for the life of me I can’t remember the company’s name. However I think this a really good way to make Siri more useful.
Ah, so that's where the Workflow purchase went. Sweet.
Great that Apple bought Workflow because it would not be allowed to go that deep into system itself.