Siri Gets A Slight Update, Expanded Yelp Functionality.

Posted at 11:44 pm March 20, 2012 by

Back when Siri was first introduced to us, we were informed that she would constantly be receiving updates. More recently, the few noticeable updates have included how she dictates our voice searches, as well as how she reads back words to us.

Slowly, users started to figure out shortcuts or “Easter Eggs” that Siri had built in; mainly involving the ability to use WolframAlpha to search for answers, as well as being able to use WolframAlpha to cheat in Words With Friends.

The iOS 5.1 update was released last week, and it’s come to our attention that a slight update to Siri was included as well. While, we for some time now that Siri was gaining Japanese support, we weren’t told privy to any other updates. Upon further review, as well as a post by Yelp!, we are able to see that Siri has received more integration from Yelp!. Now, when you ask Siri to find you the closest Pizza Joint, you now have the ability to tap the star review (easier to do this now, with the new interface), and be redirected to the business page in the Yelp! app.

What other social integration would you like to see Siri have added? Possibly the ability to Tweet for you, without having to tap dictation.

Let us know in the comments.

 

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UPDATE: After posting this, we were informed that this feature appears to only be available in the US.

   
  • Diglife

    yelp is awesome

  • ilmor

    I would like Siri to be able to remind someone else to do something, i.e., send a reminder to them.

  • http://flavors.me/mile MILE

    This would be a nice update if Siri did that outside the USA as well, like here in Germany…! Or use Maps for directions…or use Wolfram Alpha…or do anything useful like that at all…! :(

    • ZacCoffman

      I saw that this is US specific, will be doing a small update to the article. 

      WolframAlpha isn’t available from other countries? I thought that one was global.

      • http://flavors.me/mile MILE

        Nope, no Wolfram Alpha, no Maps, no looking up restaurants and services, nothing like that outside the US…! :(

        Right now Siri is basically an enhanced Voice Control feature for everyone outside the USA…! Well, not that enhanced either, since it can’t even redial the last number when told to do so…

  • narg

    Oh great.  Yelp stinks.  This is a downgrade, not an upgrade.

    • Zac Coffman

      I personally use Yelp! almost daily. But then again, I’m one that would rather eat out than cook at home.

      • narg

        That’s exactly why I think Yelp is worthless.  I’ve eaten at places rated low, but turned out to be fantastic.  Other’s rated high were awful.  It’s totally un-realiable.

        • ZacCoffman

          I can easily agree with what you are saying. I tend to use Yelp! to see what the price range and hours of operation are. May glance at what people say are worth eating, or what “problems” they may have had at a location.

  • Samlecuyer

    I want to be able to order on grubub!

    • http://www.twitter.com/ZacCoffman Zac Coffman

      That would be awesome! I believe that is what the MLB uses for their [email protected] stadium feature. I could REALLY get into being at a Phillies game and telling Siri to bring me a Cheesesteak, pretzel and Soda.

      I’m still waiting to ask Siri for directions and “it” actually tell me how to get somewhere; be it using Navigon or another GPS app. I’m not into the whole opening Maps to just give me text directions.

    • Zac Coffman

      That would be awesome! I believe that is what the MLB uses for their [email protected] stadium feature. I could REALLY get into being at a Phillies game and telling Siri to bring me a Cheesesteak, pretzel and Soda.
      I’m still waiting to ask Siri for directions and “it” actually tell me how to get somewhere; be it using Navigon or another GPS app. I’m not into the whole opening Maps to just give me text directions.

  • http://geekstream.de/ Mario Plötner

    How about international Yelp and WA Support? Not only US-english

    • Zac Coffman

      As far as I know, this should be available everywhere that Yelp! is available. It sadly doesn’t work on 5.0.1 though, so I can not take advantage of it at this time.

  • Slimjim

    My dream is to have Siri never referred to as a ‘her’ or ‘she’ again.

    • Zac Coffman

      I’ll try my best to refrain from giving Siri a specific sex.