Apple to open up Siri to third party developers

Apple is finally set to open up Siri to third party developers at their upcoming WWDC event.

The Amazon Echo and the recently unveiled Home device from Google are the latest additions to your home’s internet of things. Not too be left behind too far, Apple is reportedly working on their own device that will let Siri control your home. The report released by The Information states that the Cupertino company is preparing to launch a software development kit (SDK) to allow developers to tap into Siri, Apple’s mobile assistant. This means app developers can let Apple’s virtual assistant perform tasks like calling an Uber or ordering food.
Read: Apple rumoured to be working on Siri, Touch ID for Mac
Apple has recently opened up to some third party applications to connect with Siri (Yelp and Yahoo). These integrations are happening way to slow in our opinion. The release of an SDK means app developers can integrate their apps without striking a deal with Apple first, which will fast-track the virtual assistant’s usefulness.
Read: Siri creators to reveal “œViv“ to the world next week
The report further claims that Apple began working on the hardware for its home assistant before Amazon launched Echo in mid-2015. Apple’s device will apparently feature a speaker and web connectivity, on par with its Amazon and Google competitors. The device will also support AirPlay audio streaming tech as well as integration with HomeKit, its smart home backbone.
The SDK will likely be launched during Apple’s 2016 WWDC (developer conference), going down in San Francisco in just a few weeks. Most media sources agree that Apple won’t be showing off Siri’s new tricks without having a shiny new device to house it in. We will have to wait and see whether Apple’s WWDC announcements can compete with the recent products Google introduced at their I/O event. Tune in over the next couple of weeks for more predictions and coverage of the actual event.
Source: TechRadar
Follow Jaco on Twitter: @Jaco_vdWalt