THE NEWS WRAP: Apple files patent for Siri-like desktop virtual assistant with advanced features

Apple has filed a patent in the US for a new desktop virtual assistant that is very similar to Apple’s iOS assistant Siri, AppleInsider reports.

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Siri has been an iOS staple since 2011 but has not yet made the jump to OS X.

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The 92-page patent details an ā€œintelligent digital assistant in a desktop environmentā€ and describes technology that goes far beyond Mac’s current voice dictation feature.

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The new assistant is able to process natural speech and text input to perform actions like completing tasks, inputting and retrieving data, conduct searches and more.

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Yahoo to offer users end-to-end encryption


Since hiring security researcher Alex Stamos, Yahoo has been working to increase its security practices.

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Now Stamos has announced that the company plans to add end-to-end encryption to Yahoo mail, following the lead of Google, which announced a similar move for Gmail back in June.

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The result is Yahoo users will be able to send messages to other Yahoo mail and Gmail users that look meaningless to anyone but the sender and the recipient.

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Netflix passes HBO in subscriber revenue


Online TV and movie streaming platform Netflix has announced last quarter it passed HBO in subscriber revenue.

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ā€œThey still kick our ass in profits and Emmys, but we are making progress,ā€ Netflix chief executive officer Reed Hastings says.

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ā€œHBO rocks, and we are honoured to be in the same league.ā€

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Overnight


The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 75.07 to 16,368.27. The Australian dollar is currently trading at US93 cents.

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