In addition to Siri, you're also able to dictate text into any text field on the iPhone using the new microphone button on the virtual keyboard. It's very similar to a feature Android has had for years, but this one works way, way better.
Nuance is rumored to be powering this feature (and parts of Siri), and I'd believe it -- this performs just like the Nuance's Dragon Dictation iPhone app, but being built-in changes everything. Even with background noise, Siri and voice dictation worked flawlessly, thanks to the iPhone's second microphone for noise cancellation.
While driving, I could carry on a perfectly accurate text conversation with someone. When you think that Apple has labeled this as a beta, and that the system will improve over time, it's clear that this is going to be the next big revolution as far as computer and device input is concerned.
We're starting to live in a world where you can speak naturally to your device and it will not only understand you, but also give you a little bit of attitude as well. Imagine how this could play out in other gadgets like your TV. Instead of fumbling for the remote and navigating through those terrible, terrible cable box interfaces, just tell your TV to tune to ESPN, or record a specific show at a certain time, and it's done.
Siri works internationally with five languages and a few localizations, though there are some features that are limited to the U.S. for now. Apple plans to expand Siri to more regions and languages in 2012.
