Apple Inc. (AAPL): The Company Needs to Move Siri From Beta to Indispensable

But Android phones are making a move into autos as well, through the use of Nuance Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NUAN)‘ voice technology. Nuance already works with over a dozen car companies to bring voice controls into cars, and some smartphone makers like ZTE are working with Nuance to bring car-ready voice integration to their devices. Nuance Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NUAN) is currently developing a personal assistant of its own that has yet to be released, which has led to some speculation in the tech world that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may purchase the company to eliminate further competition.

With Apple opening up 12 new spots for Siri developers, it may be a sign that Apple recognizes the personal assistant competition is heating up. Given that iOS 7 is likely to launch this summer, it may be the right time for Apple to bring some major enhancements to Siri and leapfrog any headway the competition has already made.

Though the company was the first to launch a fully integrated smartphone personal assistant, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) really needs to stay ahead of the curve in this area. Apple needs to get Siri into enough spaces, like the car and eventually the living room, and make the feature so integrated with daily life that users won’t want to use devices without it. But until then, it seems the personal assistant space is up for grabs.

The article Apple Needs to Move Siri From Beta to Indispensable originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Chris Neiger.

Fool contributor Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple, Google, and Nuance Communications (NASDAQ:NUAN). The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, and Nuance Communications.

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