Apple WWDC 2024: What to expect from Apple's AI unveiling

The new AI-powered version of Siri announced for WWDC 2024 is expected to bring several enhancements to improve its functionality and user experience. Some specific enhancements include:

1. Control individual features within apps: The updated Siri will be able to control specific features within apps, making it more versatile and useful for users. This will initially be limited to Apple's own apps, but the company plans to support "hundreds" of commands within these apps.

2. Automatic analysis of phone activity: The revamped Siri will reportedly analyze the activity on your phone while turning on Siri-controlled features automatically, making it more intuitive and efficient in assisting users.

3. Improved responses: Siri will provide more intelligent and helpful search results, proactive tips, and improved responses to random questions that users may have throughout the day.

4. Integration with Apple's AI features: Apple's AI features, called Apple Intelligence, will also be integrated with Siri, touching a host of other apps including Messages, Notes, and Safari.

5. Potential for handling multiple tasks: While Siri will initially only be capable of processing one command at a time, Apple eventually plans to let Siri handle multiple tasks in a single request, such as asking Siri to summarize a recorded meeting and then send it to a friend.

These enhancements are expected to make Siri a more powerful and useful smart assistant for Apple users, bringing it on par with competing AI assistants and showcasing Apple's capabilities in the field of AI.

Apple has positioned itself as a company that focuses on the seamless integration of hardware, software, and services, with a strong emphasis on privacy, in relation to AI technology developments. Unlike some of its competitors, Apple has been more conservative in rolling out generative AI, preferring to ensure privacy and ethical use of the technology6. Apple's approach to AI is not just about innovation but also about responsible implementation.

In comparison, Microsoft has been focusing on integrating generative AI across its productivity suite and leveraging its partnership with OpenAI to enhance its tools. Google, on the other hand, has been working on developing AI tools and services, with a focus on its search engine and Bard AI.

Apple's differentiation lies in its focus on consumer privacy and the integration of AI features across its entire suite of products. Apple's custom generative AI chatbot, Apple GPT, is designed to respect user data and offer a seamless user experience across devices. Moreover, Apple's Ajax framework is optimized for its custom silicon, enabling efficient AI computations that enhance device performance.

Overall, Apple's positioning in the AI technology developments emphasizes its commitment to innovation, privacy, and ethical use of AI, setting it apart from its competitors.