Slideshow

In Pictures: How Aussie is Siri, the iPhone 4S' voice assistant?

How well does the iPhone 4S' Siri voice assistant handle an Aussie accent?

  • Ah! At least Siri knows the iconic Akubra hat. Though it needs Google's help to tell you what it is.

  • At least Siri knows a little bit about the Australian landscape.

  • That was supposed to translate as "Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!" Sadly, Siri can't chant along with us.

  • If only...

  • Siri doesn't like "mate", so how about champ? Sorry. no dice.

  • Siri thinks a shrimp on the barbecue is the name of a location. Oh dear.

  • Siri seems very private. I just want us to be mates.

  • The iPhone 4S hit Australian stores today and one of the most hotly anticipated features is Siri voice control: described by Apple as a voice assistant that lets you perform tasks by talking to your iPhone. But how well does it handle our Aussie accent?
    Apple says you can ask Siri for the weather forecast, make a calendar appointment and set your alarm. You can also set reminders and tasks through Apple's Reminders app -- these are location-aware so you can ask Siri to remind you to go past the supermarket after you leave work, for example.
    However, Aussies can't get driving or walking directions through Google Maps -- at the present point in time, this is a US-only feature. Siri also struggles with our Aussie accent at various times. See how it handles Australian slang!

    So, Siri doesn't understand the word "mate". Not a good start.

  • Even though Siri is set up as an Australian English voice, it doesn't reveal much.

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