One of the iPhone 4S’ biggest innovations is Siri – voice recognition software that does anything you tell it. But what business applications does Siri have?

As technology evolves, so does the way we use it. Take the latest iteration of the iPhone 4 – the iPhone 4S. It’s a faster phone with a better processor and an improved camera, but its standout feature is arguably a handy bit of voice recognition software called Siri. The vocal personal assistant does pretty much anything you tell it to. Here are ten ways you could use it for business.

Siri for business: set reminders

Siri may be state-of-the-art stuff, yet it’s the simplest things that show off just how essential a tool it can be. Like setting reminders that help you remember to call somebody important. Simply tell Siri the name of the person you wish to call and at what time you wish to do so. When the time comes, Siri will alert you to make that call.

Siri for business: arrange meetings

The voice recognition technology in the iPhone 4S removes the button-fiddling aspect of arranging meetings. Rather than inputting dates and times before marking them down in a calendar, you can simply tell Siri to meet someone at a certain time. The meeting will then automatically be logged into a date of your choosing.

Siri for business: send email

Siri can be used to quickly send emails to colleagues. Simply say “Email” followed by the name and message, and the iPhone 4S voice tech will write the email, and then ask for your permission to send it – handy for when you’ve forgotten someone’s email address.

Siri for business: take notes

With Siri, the iPhone 4S can easily be used as a dictation device. Instead of typing, you tap the microphone icon, and start speaking. Siri will convert your words into text.

Siri for business: check text messages

Siri’s voice technology lets you send and read texts without tapping at the screen. To read your text messages simply ask Siri on your iPhone 4S to read your texts, and it will do so. Replying works the same way. And if you feel comfortable talking to a phone in public, Siri can be used to send and read texts while on the move, so that you’ll no longer feel the need to stand still when texting.

Siri for business: convert currency

Of the number of tasks Siri is capable of, converting currency is one of many that help it stand out as more than a gimmick. Because Siri uses the power of your voice, there’s no need to enter currencies and amounts. Simply tell Siri what you need converted, and into which currency, and it will be done.

Siri for business: find phone numbers

Chances are that your phonebook is bursting with contacts. You could rifle through your enormous contacts list to find that number you were looking for, or instead ask Siri to do it for you. Saying “Look up [name of person’s] number” Siri will flash it up on the screen in double quick time.

Siri for business: check your schedule

Siri’s a great way to keep abreast of your busy schedule, and just as handy at letting you know when you have free time. By asking Siri if you have anything planned, it will let you know whether you have, or have not.

Siri for business: plan ahead

The iPhone 4S’ default weather app is a handy way to check on the weather forecast. It works well with Siri. Just ask it the weather and it will let you know, and display a picture forecast for the next six days.

Siri for business: book a taxi

Need a car? Rather than rummage through phone books or websites, you can ask Siri to call you a taxi. Doing so will alert you to nearby taxi services within seconds. The client will be impressed, too.

Stephen Ebert

Remote working with One Net Express

If you run a small business you will know that one of the biggest challenges you face is keeping in touch with existing and potential customers. A lot of small businesses and startups don’t have funds for ‘back office’ admin and support services. Here we look at ways to keep the business rolling by remote working. Read More: One Net Express