The Article Tells The Story of:
- iOS 18 introduces Vocal Shortcuts, a feature allowing users to customize Siri’s wake word.
- Users can now assign a custom name to Siri, such as “Computer,” to activate the assistant.
- Vocal Shortcuts also enable users to create custom voice commands for various tasks, such as triggering shortcuts or controlling system features.
- This feature enhances accessibility by providing alternative methods for interacting with the iPhone, including support for custom sounds instead of speech.
Apple’s iOS 18 now contains an exciting new feature in the name of Vocal Shortcuts, which promises much better accessibility options for its users. Among several possibilities, one such possibility will enable users to configure their own wake word with Siri. Now available in beta, iOS 18 throws open new possibilities on the way you interact with your iPhone.
Check Out Latest Article of Apple Releases iOS 18.2: Exciting New Features for iPhone and iPad Users December 13, 2024 – SquaredTech
Introducing Vocal Shortcuts
Vocal Shortcuts in iOS 18 is a multitasking feature that allows complex tasks to be performed via custom voice commands. For this purpose, you activate the feature, and personalized phrases that Siri can learn to trigger shortcuts and so on. This feature, therefore, comes in very handy to people who find alternative methods of interacting with their devices.
To change a new wake word for Siri, is very easy and simple. To personalize an activation phrase for Siri just follow the following steps
- Open your iPhone Settings
- Tap Accessibility
- Scroll to the end and select Vocalshortcuts
- Hit Set up Vocals.shortcuts and choose Siri instead of Siri request
- You need to write your favorite alternative name for Siri such as “Computer”.
Once you have set your new name, you could simply say it to start Siri. Keep in mind that this feature is as of now only available to the iPhone and does not transfer to other Apple equipment, such as the HomePod, where you have to use “Hey Siri.”
Key Considerations
Users on Reddit have mentioned that a critical detail about this feature is that one needs to pause before providing a command while using the custom wake word. When using the default “Hey Siri” phrase, users can give a command in a single go (for instance, “Hey Siri, what time is it?”). The Vocal Shortcut setup requires a pause between the wake word and the command. For instance, you would have to utter “Computer” and then wait for Siri to engage before you proceed with your request.
This slight lag might make the default “Hey Siri” more preferable for everyday use. Yet, Siri will still work for both the default wake word and the new customized phrase. So, that flexibility depends on your personal preference.
Beyond Custom Wake Words
Apart from the change of Siri’s wake word, Vocal Shortcuts can be used for lots of other functionalities such as running any shortcut by voice commands, triggering applications and using many system features such as taking screenshots, controlling volume, scrolling and invoking the Control Center and others. It can be even paired with custom sounds rather than speech, and is a powerful accessibility tool for those who need other means to interact with their iPhone.
Accessibility: Apple’s release of the Vocal Shortcuts application highlights the company’s efforts at making its products and technologies more accessible. Providing features for customizable options when engaging Siri and other functionality gives Apple an opportunity to tailor experiences to fit individual and collective needs.
Conclusion
iOS 18’s Vocal Shortcuts feature is a game-changer for iPhone users looking to personalize their interaction with Siri. Whether you want to assign a quirky new name to Siri or need alternative ways to activate system features, Vocal Shortcuts offer a flexible and powerful solution. As this feature continues to develop and refine, it’s clear that Apple is prioritizing user customization and accessibility in their latest iOS update.
Explore the possibilities with Vocal Shortcuts in iOS 18 and see how a simple change in wake word can transform your iPhone experience.
More News: Apple’s iOS 18
