Apple made some major announcements at its #SpringForward event on March 9. Headline grabbers included a trimmer, faster MacBook; an ‘open source’ platform for sharing medical information and personal data called ResearchKit; an exclusive distribution deal with HBO to feed a less expensive AppleTV; and, finally, an entirely new category of device for the company called Apple Watch.

Set to hit retail stores on April 24, after a pre-sales period that begins April 10, prices will start at $349 and exceed $10,000 on the high end (with a middle range around $600). Apple expects to breathe new life into the “smart watch” product category, which is an area where vendors have yet to cash in on the promise of “wearable technology.” Among the features that distinguish the Apple Watch from Pebble and Samsung’s Galaxy Gear, is its ability to serve as a platform for Siri, Apple’s Intelligent Virtual Assistant. Out-of-the-box, the Apple Watch is in a low-power, constant listening mode for the phrase “Hey Siri” or by pressing the digital crown that graces the side of the device.

Like Siri on the iPhone, the watch-based assistant can answer questions, make appointments or send texts in response to spoken instructions and input. Unlike its phone-based rendition Siri says very little, preferring visual, text-based output. Siri doesn’t talk back. It just does what it’s told. During a demo of downloadable apps for iOS 8.2, Apple’s Kevin Lynch apps from Uber, Shazam, WeChat and Instagram, and also showed how the Apple Watch could work with the W Hotel app to open hotel room doors or the Alarm.com app to remotely open a garage door.

Here’s why Siri is a natural match for the Apple Watch. For one thing, iPhone owners have already made controlling clock functions a popular task for Siri. Setting a timer or alarm is easy and remarkably reliable using spoken instructions. Ditto for checking the weather, leaving reminders and making appointments or other calendar entries. These are basic functions for an intelligent assistant and they are time-sensitive and benefit from close integration with a clock or watch.

What’s more, Siri is extensible. The Apple Watch that was on display at the #SpringForward event, had dozens of applications pre-installed for the show. With Siri baked into the operating system, individuals can simply say “Hey Siri” and then provide commands or inputs for popular functions, like playing music or sending messages. Many iPhone owners who have experience with Siri will find this remarkably similar to their smartphone-based experience, and yet different enough to make it compelling.

Ian Parker of The New Yorker Magazine recently reported that Sir Jonathan Ive, Apple’s lead designer (and watch aficionado), has made his goal to create “the strangely familiar.” With Siri on the Apple Watch he has accomplished that goal.

Categories: Intelligent Assistants

Tags: Siri, Apple Watch, Mobile CX, Intelligent Assistance, Wearable Technology