Attention awareness
On iPhone and iPad models with the TrueDepth camera, Voice Control
intelligently activates and deactivates depending on where the user is looking.
The TrueDepth camera projects and analyzes over 30,000 invisible dots to
create a depth map of the user’s face and also captures an infrared image of
theface. In addition to being used for Face ID, this data is also used to create
the Attention Aware function, which recognizes when users’ eyes are open
andtheir attention is directed toward the device. With Attention Aware turned
on in Voice Control settings, Voice Control goes to sleep when users look away
from the camera and wakes up when users look toward the camera, enabling
them to easily move between interacting with their devices and with people
around them.
2
On-device processing for privacy
Apple believes that privacy should be equally accessible to all users, however
they interact with their devices. By leveraging the processing power of
Apple’sA-series chips on iPhone and iPad and the unique silicon architecture "
of Mac, Voice Control audio processing happens on-device while maintaining
fast performance. This keeps the words youuse to control your devices private,
from the messages you dictate and thenews stories you tap to the websites
you scroll through.
An additional benefit of on-device processing is that Voice Control will
alwaysfunction. Even if you’re out of cellular range or Wi-Fi is down,
youhavecomplete control of your device and can continue engaging in"
locally based activities like writing, coding, editing images, and listening
todownloadedcontent.
Voice Control on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS
The new Voice Control on macOS Catalina, iOS 13, and iPadOS vastly expands
what users can achieve with their voices, from reaching the furthest corners
ofthe UI to engaging in apps more deeply than ever before. The cross-platform
availability of Voice Control provides a consistent experience across Mac,
iPhone, and iPad, and on-device processing enables users to always have
access to their devices. For users with motor limitations, this powerful built-in
tool transforms how they work, play, create, and connect on Apple devices.
What’s the difference between Voice Control and Siri?
Voice Control lets users control the entire device with spoken commands and
specialized tools, while Siri is an intelligent assistant that lets users ask for
information and complete everyday tasks using natural language. Voice Control
offers comprehensive capabilities such as voice gestures, name and number
labels, grid overlays, text editing commands, and deep customization, while Siri
assists with setting reminders, making appointments, looking up directions, and
learning game scores.