In what can be called one of the last fails of this year, there came up something called Siri For Android (Official) on the Android marketplace – and the whole web was abuzz with the information.
The app was no
thing but the Google Voice Actions. And it had the Siri-logo on it. (We’re not sure how far the logo-copyright issue is going, for the moment). Needless to say, it got quite a lot of downloads from the moment it came up on the marketplace.
Experts have pointed this Siri for Android fiasco (or incident, as you might want to hear it) as a clear example of the lack of control over the Android Marketplace.
The app was nothing much actually. It had the official logo of Apple iPhone 4S’s Siri – the legendary app which has taken the world by storm in its intelligent avatar. We do not know why the app was termed ‘Official’ as it has been made clear that it was not ‘endorsed’ or ‘promoted’ by Android or Google in any manner. It was put up by the developer on the marketplace and it showed up – that’s about it. The ‘Official’ tag – even though unauthorized – did capture the attention of thousands that downloaded it instantly – only to find that it’s just a rehash of the Google Voice Actions. Hardly Siri, one would say.
Needless to say, again, the app has now disappeared from the marketplace. But there’s one Korean app which features the Siri logo still – and it’s called SPEERIT. They’re calling it the REAL SIRI for Android – and it’s only for Korean speakers. Then again, how did Android Market let the logo thing come up so easily? It would be a copyright issue soon – and that’s where experts and anti-Android guys come up and speak about all things that’s bad about Android and the marketplace.
Oh, by the way, if you thought Siri was first of its kind, please do know that there have been many personal voice assistants – like Siri (or well, almost!) – on the Android Marketplace even before iPhone 4S happened. One competitive assistant to look out for is Vlingo, and there are other new apps too like Skyvi, iris and Andy.
Mitini: Siri for Windows 7 That’s A Good Start! – Download Mitini for Windows 7
Siri needs no introduction. Ever since she’s been released out to the public via her carrier – the iPhone 4S – millions have fallen in love with Siri and its intelligence.
And it is not surprising that many people try to get a clone of it up and running on the machines that do not come with Siri. Of course, notwithstanding the argument that there are already many Siri-like voice assistants on the Android marketplace, one would have to give it to Siri when it comes to versatility, power and ease of use. After all, even if it is not an Apple product right from the start, it was refined by Apple for their iPhone 4S.
So, here’s something good for the Windows folks – especially at a time when Nokia Lumia and Samsung Omnia W are becoming popular.
Siri for Windows 7 – A New Software
There’s this developer named iSubeda who has worked on something that could bring Siri-like functionality to your Windows phone. The program, although very different in design, has almost the same concept as Siri. It does mathematical problems, answers general questions on a wide range of topics and all through Natural Voice Dictation – the same way Siri goes.
The Windows natural voice dictation field – for mobile, specifically – has been largely untouched for long. Windows has had voice dictation features on since Vista came about. But as far as Windows mobiles are concerned, that was not an area that Windows focused on. With Mitini, you could add this feature to your Windows mobile.
Of course, limitations exists. Mitini is not as powerful – or even half as powerful – as Siri is. Siri can link to other apps and open them up at a moment’s notice. Siri could be more elaborate and expansive in its knowledge and applicability. Mitini is nowhere close to that but it’s a very good start.
Mitini is for Windows. And that should tell you that it ain’t as perfect as you expect it to be. There are lots that can be done – for the interface, for the functions, for the applicability and intelligence. But it’s still a very good start.
And you should try it for the feel of natural voice dictation on Windows. Download Mitini: Siri for Windows.
