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Can't wait for Siri? Try Vlingo

Posted by Harshad

Can't wait for Siri? Try Vlingo

Can't wait for Siri? Try Vlingo

Posted: 06 Oct 2011 10:05 AM PDT

You talk, Vlingo acts. This Siri-like app used to charge extra for sending e-mail and text messages, but no more.

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida)

The coolest technology on display at Tuesday's Apple event? Siri, no doubt about it. This new voice-recognition system promises to transform the way we use our iPhones.

Just one problem: you can't have it yet. Apple didn't say when Siri, which is still in beta, will be available, so it could be months before you're telling your iPhone what to do. Update: My mistake. Siri will be bundled with the iPhone 4S, albeit in beta form. Plus, only iPhone 4S owners will be able to get in on the voice-powered action, owing to Siri's steep processing requirements.

If you don't want to wait, or don't want to buy a 4S, try Vlingo. Arguably the "original" voice assistant for the iPhone, this free app lets you accomplish a lot just by speaking. You can post updates to Facebook and Twitter, run a Web search, look up destinations on a map, place a call, and so on.

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