In a world where AI assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and Bixby are becoming more prevalent, the act of speaking out loud to interact with these assistants in public can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. It has become increasingly clear that many individuals are hesitant to use voice commands when surrounded by other people. The recent announcement by Apple that iOS 18 will allow users to type to Siri offers a welcome alternative to speaking out loud.
Voice commands have some inherent challenges, especially in public settings where there may be noise or a fear of judgment from others. Many people find themselves altering their tone of voice and speech patterns when speaking to AI assistants, which can make the experience feel unnatural and uncomfortable. Additionally, there is a lack of trust in the ability of AI assistants to accurately understand commands, further dissuading people from using voice commands in public.
Typing to AI assistants provides a greater degree of privacy, allowing users to interact with their devices without broadcasting their actions to those around them. This added layer of privacy can be particularly important when performing tasks like sending messages or setting timers. While hands-free capabilities are convenient in certain situations, the trade-off of maintaining privacy through typing commands is a worthwhile option for many users.
While voice commands have their place, offering multiple ways to interact with AI assistants allows for a more seamless integration into daily life. Typing to AI assistants accommodates different preferences and comfort levels, ultimately empowering users to engage with their devices in a way that feels natural to them. By providing options for interaction, AI assistants can better adapt to individual needs and preferences, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.
As technology continues to evolve, the way we interact with AI assistants may also change. While speaking out loud to AI assistants may become more socially accepted in the future, the current landscape suggests that many people still prefer the privacy and comfort of typing commands. By acknowledging and embracing the option to type to AI assistants, individuals can engage with their devices in a way that feels authentic and comfortable to them.
The ability to type to AI assistants offers a practical and privacy-conscious alternative to speaking out loud in public. By recognizing the diverse needs and preferences of users, technology companies can create more inclusive and user-friendly experiences with AI assistants. Typing to Siri and other AI assistants may be the key to making these technologies more accessible and widely adopted in everyday life.