As the wait for the iPhone 5 seems to be ending and the release date inches closer, newer features of the device are coming to light. The latest from 9to5Mac is that its hardware will come equipped with Apple’s new ‘Assistant’ software feature.
The Assistant is the company’s Siri-inspired, system-wide voice navigation system. Since it needs the A5 CPU and extra RAM to function, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS users will not be able to employ this new feature. Believed to replace the old Voice Control feature which released two years back, Assistant is reportedly more responsive and interactive in nature. It integrates an ‘Info’ button which takes users commands. Through the button users can directly ask the iPhone for data.
True to its name, the Assistant appears to be quite helpful for users as it executes a variety of functions such as sending text messages with read-back proofing, emailing and seeking directions. Via the incorporated Wolfram Alpha, it can acquire solutions to math related questions. The feature includes a conversation view which looks like a messaging interface and keeps track of users’ clarifications and qualifications for the commands they give to the software.
This feature on the much awaited smartphone will operate alongside a new functionality called Find my Friends. An apparent extension of Find my iPhone, the Find my Friends feature lets users share their location in real-time with others owning iOS devices as well as know where their friends currently are. Providing accurate speech interpretation, the Assistant understands users’ natural language and enables them to comfortably converse with their smartphone. Another interesting feature to be added in the fifth generation iPhone seems to be the Dictation which is a Nuance-based text-to-speech feature for composing text messages.
Speculated to enter the competitive smartphone market on October 4, the highly anticipated iPhone 5 has already caught the market’s attention with its other suggested features like 1GB RAM, 8MP camera, dual-core A5 processor and now the Assistant. As for those wondering about its mysterious appearance, only a week remains between us and the iPhone 5.