Rumor: Apple working on Echo competitor, may release Siri SDK to developer community

When in doubt, you can compete with Amazon by building your own device.

And you can make Siri that much better by throwing the developer community at it.

An anonymous source has stated that Apple is looking to build a device to compete with Amazon’s Echo as well as open up Siri to outside developers. Apple is said to be preparing to release a Siri software development kit that would allow developers to make their apps and their app content accessible through Siri voice commands. Apple plans to require developers to use the tool responsibly.

As of now, Siri has yet to be opened to third-party developers and only works with a handful of developers such as OpenTable and Yelp. Apple has been hesitant to develop a Siri API and improve Siri’s functionality because of privacy concerns.

It’s been rumored that a Siri SDK could be released as soon as the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, meaning third-party Siri access would be built into iOS 10 and perhaps OS X 10.12.

Both Amazon and Google have developed robust in-home personal assistant devices built around their respective AI platforms, which Apple hopes to compete with. The products are able to perform a wide range of features, from giving weather reports and answering queries to controlling smart home devices like light bulbs and thermostats. The Amazon Echo has been well-received, and Google’s Home product, just announced at Google I/O, supports similar features.

Apple has reportedly been working on an Echo competitor since before the Echo debuted last year, and it will perhaps include features like a speaker, Internet access, and the ability to control HomeKit products. It is not known when Apple will be ready to debut its home accessory or how it will fit into the company’s existing product lineup.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via MacRumors and The Information