iSiri: Stretching Siri's Limits

Is innovation dead?  I would say "No".  Innovation is very much alive!  Apple introduced us to Siri and even though it is still in Beta, it is very powerful...and still learning.  Siri is a virtual assistant that was introduced on the iPhone 4S.  Now you can access Siri on the iPhone 5, iPad 3rd generation and up, iPod Touch 5th generation, and the iPad Mini.

With these devices, in particular the iPhone and iPod, you are basically carrying a computer in your pocket or purse.  Now imagine being able to access Siri without removing the iOS device from its location.  This is where iSiri comes into play.

Ciccarese Designs designed and created iSiri.  iSiri provides a sleek, polished, Apple-esque (only my opinion) design that can be used to remotely access Siri.  It can even be worn on your wrist.  It uses Bluetooth to access the iOS device.  On their website, it only mentions the iPhone but since the new iPod Touch 5th generation also has Siri and Bluetooth, I would assume it would work with iSiri as well.  For more details, you can read more and enjoy the artwork at the site below.  Let me know what you think of iSiri.

iSiri Design Page

Possible Use for iPad Mini

Now that users can actually get their hands on the iPad Mini, they are finding creative ways to integrate the device in their daily lives.  This video below is one example.  I'm sure there are more such as putting the iPad Mini on your refrigerator using the magnetic smart cover (try at your own risk).  Anyway, I think the car installation is a cool idea.  I like how the iPad Mini just slides into place.  Then you have all the apps and features at your fingertips.  Plus, you could use Siri so that you can keep your eyes on the road and drive safely.  All while having the full sound of you car stereo system.  I'm not sure what your plan B would be if you forgot your iPad Mini at home or work.  Can the iPhone or another iOS device connect into the system as well?  Those are the questions I have.  What do you think about this setup?  Would you consider it?  Why or why not?  Also, please let me know if you have any creative ideas for Apple's iPad Mini.

Google Search App for iPhone

Google has updated it's search app with voice search.  Immediately, it is being compared to Siri.  You can ask Google Search different questions and depending on the question, it will present you with the answer, search results, and even video.  Along with the Siri comparison, Google Search currently cannot control other apps.  That's not to say it won't happen in the future.  This app works on the iPhone 4 which Siri currently does not support.  It is also said to be faster than Siri.

So once again, the competition is heating up.  This is usually good for users because we get great products out of friendly competition.  If you don't have this app, it may be worth a try.  Then let us all know how well it works.

iPad Mini Preorders...and My Thoughts

Now you can preorder the iPad Mini in white or black.  It seems like there may be more demand (or less stock) for this new Apple product.  In under 20 minutes after opening for preorder, the white iPad Mini was already sold out of its initial stock.  If you order a white iPad Mini now, expect to wait about 2 weeks before it will be shipped.  The black iPad Mini is still available for delivery on November 2nd.  Who knows how long that will last?  It may change before I finish writing this post.  Below are articles about the white iPad Minis initial stock being sold out and some preorders already being prepared for shipment.

At first, I didn't think I would be affected by the iPad Mini launch but I'm already starting to like the device.  The screen is smaller, but the device is lighter.  Plus, it has Siri.  I think I will be okay with my iPad 2...without Siri.  In the future, I'm not sure if I would choose the larger iPad or the iPad Mini whenever I decide to upgrade.  What are your thoughts?

Initial White iPad Mini Stock Sold Out

Some iPad Mini Preorders Preparing for Shipment

iPad Mini