Apple’s Siri chief admits AI delays are embarrassing, pledges improvements, as company struggles to keep up with competitors.

In Short

Apple’s head of Siri, Robby Walker, admitted to significant delays and quality issues in new features, now set to launch next year. Despite the setbacks, he commended his team’s efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to improving Siri’s functionality.

Apple’s head of Siri, Robby Walker, acknowledged significant delays in key features during a team meeting, describing the situation as “ugly” and “embarrassing.” He noted that promoting technology prematurely exacerbated the problem.

The enhancements intended for the Siri virtual assistant are now expected to launch next year instead of the previously planned release this spring. Delays stemmed from quality issues, with the technology reportedly functioning only 66-80% of the time. Walker expressed that staff might feel angry and burnt out from the setbacks.

Despite the challenges, he praised his team for their impressive developments and confirmed that they are committed to creating an effective virtual assistant. Apple has postponed the features, which were highlighted in marketing for the iPhone 16, amid struggles to compete with rival AI systems.

While the company plans to integrate Siri updates into future software cycles, Walker emphasized the necessity of ensuring quality before release. Adjustments to management may occur as Apple reassesses AI strategies, but no immediate executive firings are planned.

Future goals include making Siri more conversational and enhancing its functionality significantly. Walker reiterated the team’s commitment to improvement, stating, “We’ll make the adjustments we need for a better outcome.”

OpenAI and Elon Musk fast-track trial over for-profit shift amid ongoing legal dispute and Musk’s competing startup, xAI.

In Short

OpenAI and Elon Musk have agreed to fast-track a trial regarding OpenAI’s shift to a for-profit model amid ongoing legal disputes. The judge has set an accelerated trial date for autumn, rejecting Musk’s attempt to halt the transition, while OpenAI has denied Musk’s claims and dismissed his takeover offer.

OpenAI and Elon Musk have reached an agreement to expedite a trial concerning OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit structure. This development is part of an ongoing legal dispute involving Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

The joint proposal for the trial was submitted in December, as noted in a federal court filing. The parties have deferred a decision on whether the case will be resolved by a jury or solely by the presiding judge.

Profit-driven model

This month, the judge declined Musk’s request to halt OpenAI’s shift to a profit-driven model but has accepted an accelerated trial date for the autumn. OpenAI expressed approval of the court’s ruling, which they believe counters Musk’s attempts to impede the company’s progress for personal gain.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but departed before its rapid growth, later established a competing venture, xAI, in 2023. He has previously sued OpenAI and Altman, alleging that the organisation has deviated from its original mission of developing AI for humanity’s benefit.

Both OpenAI and Altman have denied Musk’s claims, with Altman suggesting that Musk is attempting to hinder competition.

The lawsuit’s outcome will significantly influence OpenAI’s for-profit transition, which the company views as essential for securing the necessary capital to thrive amid the competitive AI landscape.

Telstra launches Scam Protect feature to help Australians avoid phone scams, enhancing call screening and safety measures.

In Short

Telstra has launched Telstra Scam Protect to help Australians avoid scams, with over 10 million calls flagged since its December 2022 rollout. This free feature provides real-time alerts for suspicious calls, helping users manage incoming calls amid a rising scam crisis.

Telstra is introducing a new feature called Telstra Scam Protect to assist Australians in avoiding scams.

This initiative targets the phone scam crisis, which cost Australians $141 million last year. The feature will help users manage incoming calls by providing warning messages about potential scams.

Since its rollout in December 2022, it has flagged over 10 million calls.

According to Telstra’s consumer executive, the feature displays real-time alerts of suspicious calls.

Scam calls

Research indicates that 42% of Australians are hesitant to answer unknown calls due to scam fears. The data shows a higher reluctance among women and Gen X demographics.

Queenslanders lead the country in avoiding unknown calls, with a hesitancy rate of 47%.

Telstra blocks over 11 million scam calls monthly, but scammers continuously adjust their tactics.

Common scams involve impersonation of well-known institutions. The report highlights that paying attention to caller requests for personal information is crucial.

The new feature provides three alert types: potential fraud, unverified overseas calls, and suspicious calling patterns.

Telstra Scam Protect does not require user activation and is available at no extra cost.