Friday, January 18, 2013

Software : Apple wants Siri to evolve into a more friendly lady

Software : Apple wants Siri to evolve into a more friendly lady

Apple wants Siri to evolve into a more friendly lady

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Apple wants Siri to evolve into a more friendly lady

Even though she's already starred in a handful of commercials with some of entertainment's biggest names, Siri could still use a little work.

The hit-or-miss voice activated search function proudly touted by Apple as a key feature in its newer iOS devices like the iPhone 5 and iPad mini may be popular for parlor tricks, but Apple has grander plans for Siri.

While Siri's appeared helpful to the likes of Sam Jackson and Martin Scorcese, Danny DeVito was overheard by TechRadar calling the faceless voice a "ball-breaker" at CES 2013.

That's just the kind of sentiment Apple is hoping to avoid in the future and, according to a new job listing, is looking to rectify rather quickly.

Siri Poppins

In a twist only the best fairy tales could have predicted, Apple is currently searching for a new writer to transform Siri from the blunt, brash femme vocale she is today into a more sophisticated and charming leading lady.

The job listing hopes to wrangle a writer who will "help the Siri team evolve Siri as a distinct, recognizable character," and that would "develop and write original dialog to support new Siri capabilities."

Additionally, Apple is hoping the writer will be able to maintain Siri's ability to "explain things in engaging, funny, and practical ways," as her personality is what Apple hopes will set Siri apart from the competition.

Apple claimed in the posting "Siri is known for 'her' wit," but her laconic delivery makes even Steven Wright look like the most jovial and outspoken comedian on the circuit.

Whomever lands the job certainly has quite the task in front of him or her, but the prospects of creating an entire persona that will "live" inside millions of smartphones around the globe should be more than enough motivation for any writer to apply for the opportunity.

eBay sales are up, and it's all thanks to mobile

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eBay sales are up, and it's all thanks to mobile

eBay's Q4 2012 report, issued on Wednesday, saw sales up but profits down from the same period in 2011, and there's a simple explanation for that.

Profit dropped off a seemingly massive 62 percent from 2011, down to $757 million (UK£472 million, AU$718 million), but last year's figures were reportedly inflated by eBay's sale of Skype to Microsoft.

Sales revenue, on the other hand, rose 18 percent to $3.99 billion (UK£2.49 billion, AU$3.78 billion), with PayPal seeing the largest jump.

And Google's report said that increased mobile payments, which "exceeded expectations," deserved the credit.

Thanks, mobile

eBay chief executive John Donahoe told the BBC that "mobile continues to rewrite the commerce playbook."

Indeed, eBay is a popular choice on the biggest mobile operating systems - on Android, eBay is the 27th most popular free app, while it sits at 60th in Apple's app store.

eBay's Q4 report also claimed that growth of active users during 2012 was driven by mobile, as well as enhancements to the site and increased use in new, emerging markets.

The growth of PayPal

The online auction site also reported that PayPal saw the biggest growth of all. eBay acquired the online payment service in 2002.

PayPal payments in the fourth quarter rose 24 percent from 2011, while eBay's marketplace division revenue increased by 16 percent.

Between end-of-day Wednesday and Thursday morning, eBay shares rose 2.7 percent.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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