Siri shortcuts in iOS 12: everything you need to know about the new feature

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

What are "Commands", how it works and how it will be useful in everyday life.

What are Commands?

Along with iOS 12, Apple released Commands, proprietary software for automating various actions, working in conjunction with Siri. It is a redesigned version of the Workflow application that the company purchased earlier and supports all scripts created for Workflow.

Each command is an algorithm reminiscent of macOS Automator scripts. It is a script that consists of actions that are performed in order using input data and variables, as well as triggers such as geolocation, time, and other events.

What is the trick of teams?

Shortcuts are remarkable in that they allow you to create entire sets of actions, including system capabilities and third-party application functions, which are easily activated by pressing a button or using your voice using Siri. Actions can be combined into thematic scenarios, automating day-to-day tasks.

Let's say you decide to order a pizza. With the command "Pizza ordering assistant" this requires a minimum of actions. After starting the command, the algorithm will find the nearest pizzerias by itself, display a list of them and offer to call. Taking into account the preparation time and the address of the restaurant, the team will calculate the estimated arrival time of the courier and set a reminder for you.

How it works?

When a command is activated, the actions in the script are executed in order. Depending on the command, input data, content from the Internet and other applications, or information obtained in the previous steps are used.

After running the script, the command starts executing. If the algorithm provides for user interaction, the application will ask you to confirm the action or select options.

The result of a command can be information, a file, or an action. For example, there are scripts to help you calculate a tip, change the resolution of a photo, or post the last video you took to Facebook.

Where to get teams?

If you have never used Workflow, the list of commands will be empty. To add new commands, the application has a "Gallery" tab, which contains many scenarios for all occasions. Currently, there are top charts and about 20 different categories, including household chores, photography, music writing tools, and calendar interactions. In each category, in turn, there are about ten teams available.

In addition, iOS also automatically analyzes what actions you most often take on iPhone and offers to create quick commands for them. You can find these commands in Siri settings.

Since the old Workflow scripts also work in Teams, you can search for the actions you are interested in right in the search engine of your mobile device. The scripts found will immediately open in the application, where they can be saved.

How do I add a command?

To add a ready-made command, you need to open it in the "Gallery" and click the "Get a quick command" button. After that, it will appear on the "Library" screen and you can work with it.

Personalized commands from Siri settings are added there as well. It is enough to select a command from the section "Suggested quick commands" and click on the "+" opposite it.

How to create your own team?

With the sheer number of supported actions, you can create custom commands for different needs. On the "Library" screen, you need to press the "New command" button and create a chain of actions.

Actions can be both standard iOS functions and applications, as well as the capabilities of third-party applications. For example, you can use Health data, a Pocket article list, calendar events, geolocation, Apple Music playlists, and content from the clipboard, gallery, or cloud storage.

Let's create a command that will open one unread article from Pocket in Safari. To do this, do the following:

1. Click "New command" and select the action "Get objects from Pocket" from the list.
2. We indicate the required parameters (one unread object).
3. The second action is to add "Show web page" and for convenience enable the "Reading mode" option.
4. By clicking on the icon with toggle switches, we open the command settings, where we set the name, icon and other parameters.
5. We save the command by clicking "Finish".

How do I use commands?

The added commands can be executed in five ways. Clicking on the appropriate button will launch a command from a widget in the Action Center, Spotlight search, the Teams application itself, or from an icon on the desktop. In addition, the commands can be activated by voice, which is especially convenient when the “Listen to Hey Siri” function is turned on.

Whichever way the command is run, it will immediately start executing. In our example, Safari will open the last unread article from the Pocket list in Reading View. If the command requires a choice of parameters, such as the quality of the uploaded video or text input for posting a message, the system will display a corresponding dialog.

Where can I download the Teams app?

The app is available to everyone, and you can download it from the App Store. If you already have Workflow installed, you only need to install the update to get the Commands. The app requires iOS 12 to run, so if you're using an earlier version, you'll need to update the system as well.