It’s no secret that Apple hangs onto your Siri data for some length of time (as other companies so with search data and the like), but it hasn’t been clear exactly how long it keeps that data sitting on its servers. Wired has now cleared that up somewhat, though, hearing from Apple spokesperson Trudy Muller that the company “may keep anonymized Siri data for up to two years.” That word follows another report from Wired yesterday that raised concerns about the issue. As Muller notes, the data is immediately deleted if a user turns Siri off at any time, and it’s anonymized from the start; neither your Apple ID or email address are stored with a data, but rather a randomly generated number that represents the user and becomes associated with the voice files. That number then gets disassociated from voice clips after six months, but Apple still hangs onto the files for another 18 months for what’s described as testing and product improvement purposes.

Update: The Financial Times has confirmed with Google that it, too, keeps your voice search data for up to two years. Google itself has previously detailed how it handles that data, including the added measures put in place when a user opts-in for personalized voice recognition; in that case, electronic keys linked to your account are generated that Google says are “designed to be accessed by machines, not people.”

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple

Comments

Source: Wired

More:
Apple confirms it keeps Siri data for up to two years (update: Google too)

Cupertino finally saw fit to give users access to Bluetooth keyboards when it rolled out version 5.2 for Apple TV. It took a bit of time, but the folks at Firecore have finished up the Seas0nPass jailbreak for the new OS iteration. Along with the jailbreak, a revised version of its aTV Flash (black) software is also now available to give the new Bluetooth functionality to folks who prefer it to a stock Apple TV experience. Excited? Head on down to the source for the full how-to, and you’ll have a wireless keyboard hooked up to your hacked Jobsian hockey puck in no time.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

Comments

Source: Firecore

See the rest here:
Seas0nPass jailbreak and aTV Flash (black) version arrive for Apple TV 5.2, bring Bluetooth keyboard compatibility

Nuance has refreshed its Dragon Mobile Assistant for Android to let you do more stuff using speech alone. The beta app now allows you to set alarms, launch apps and play music, in addition to its existing hands-free prowess that covers making calls, getting directions, updating your Twitter status and waking up your device from slumber using a “Hi Dragon” greeting. The voice-driven personal assistant, which hitherto worked only on ICS and up, also now supports devices running Android 2.3. (And no, you can’t customize your phone’s nickname. It has to be Dragon, not Snuffy.)

Continue reading Dragon Mobile Assistant beta for Android updated, lets your voice launch apps and music

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software

Comments

Source: Google Play

View post:
Dragon Mobile Assistant beta for Android updated, lets your voice launch apps and music

If you’re looking at getting a 2013 Chevrolet Spark or Sonic LTZ / RS, you’ll be able to drag Siri along for the ride, provided that you have an iPhone 4S or later running iOS 6, according to GM. It’ll pair with Chevy’s MyLink entertainment system using Bluetooth, ensuring you avoid distractions via Apple’s new Eyes Free mode that lets you disable the smartphone’s screen via a steering wheel button. Using voice-activated commands, you’ll be able to prompt the system to make hands-free calls, play songs from your iTunes library, listen to and compose text messages and access calendar appointments. If you ask a question that requires a web page to be displayed, however, Siri will decline to answer — ensuring your eyes stay where they should.

The automaker also announced an upcoming version of MyLink for the Chevrolet Impala that will let buyers “skin” the instrument panel with four different themes: Edge and Velocity for the younger set, and Contemporary or Main Street aimed at “busy moms” or business types. It’ll also have an optional 8-inch touchscreen and let you link up to ten devices via Blutetooth or USB. Check the sources for info on all the new vehicles or the video after the break.

Continue reading Chevy launches iPhone Siri support for Spark, Sonic vehicles, aims to keep your Eyes Free

Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Apple

Comments

Via: Slashgear

Source: GM (1), (2)

View original here:
Chevy launches iPhone Siri support for Spark, Sonic vehicles, aims to keep your Eyes Free

If you didn’t get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we’ve opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, Virgin introduced a WiFi calling service in the UK, a new smartphone leaked for Cricket and RIM announced a free app giveaway for Canadian residents. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the “best of the rest” for this week of November 5th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of November 5th, 2012

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Software, Mobile

Mobile Miscellany: week of November 5th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink