Siri has become genuinely useful this year
▼ Summary
– Apple released a new version of Siri that appears to be significantly more capable than previous versions, which were often unreliable.
– On The Vergecast, David and Nilay discuss their early experiences with Siri AI, noting it feels effective despite lacking cutting-edge innovation.
– Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube announced new features aimed at making their platforms feel smaller and more personal, reflecting a shift away from public feeds toward group chats.
– The episode includes segments on Brendan Carr, the “Trump Phone,” Claude Fable, solar energy, and a deal for iPad users.
– The Vergecast also covered WWDC reactions, Steve Jobs’ legacy, and whether YouTubers are the future of movie theaters.
After more than a decade of being either mildly helpful or outright frustrating, Siri has finally turned a corner. It’s hard to believe, but Apple’s latest version of the voice assistant is genuinely useful , and that changes the conversation around the iPhone’s built-in AI.
On a recent episode of The Vergecast, David and Nilay break down their early impressions of Siri AI. While nothing about it feels revolutionary or cutting-edge, the key difference is simple: it works. For an assistant that has long struggled with basic tasks like setting timers or understanding natural language, this is a massive leap. And for the broader AI industry, a reliable Siri could shift expectations around what a smartphone assistant should actually deliver.
The conversation then shifts to the evolving landscape of social media. Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube have all rolled out new features aimed at making their sprawling platforms feel smaller and more intimate. Group chats are increasingly replacing public feeds, raising the question: is the era of the public timeline truly over?
Later, the team fires up the Hype Desk, calls out Brendan Carr for questionable moves, and runs through a lightning round of news covering the Trump Phone, Claude Fable, solar energy breakthroughs, and a surprisingly good deal for iPad users.
If you missed it earlier this week, The Vergecast also livestreamed reactions to WWDC, explored Steve Jobs‘ career arc and legacy, answered listener questions about Apple’s big event, and debated whether YouTubers are becoming the new face of movie theaters.
Have thoughts on any of it? Call the Vergecast Hotline at 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
(Source: The Verge)
