Scholle McFarland

Make the most of Apple's digital assistant! Siri, Apple's voice-controlled digital assistant, has been around since 2011, when it debuted on the iPhone. But since then, it has become vastly more powerful and useful, and has spread across Apple's entire ecosystem--it now runs on iOS, macOS, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod. Siri can now listen and speak in a wide range of languages and accents, perform a long list of helpful day-to-day tasks, and keep you entertained in the process. Although Siri is easy to use, it's so multitalented that you might easily overlook some of its best features. In this book, former Macworld editor Scholle McFarland takes you deep into Siri's capabilities. You'll learn tons of tips and tricks about making the most of Siri. Discover how Siri can increase your efficiency and productivity, lend a hand when you're in the car or out for a jog, and even make it simpler to play music or find movies and TV shows to watch. Among many other things, this book teaches you: What hardware and software you need to use Siri How to change Siri's language and voice Ways to personalize Siri by telling it about yourself, your contacts, and more The numerous ways to activate Siri (by touch or by voice) How to use Siri with AirPods, wired earbuds, or third-party headphones What to do if the wrong device answers your "Hey Siri" request How to ask Siri about sports, math and conversions, time, food, movies, people, stocks, the weather, jokes, and random facts Tips for asking Siri follow-up questions How to control music (on any device, with or without an Apple Music subscription) Techniques for using Siri to get directions, set reminders and appointments, send messages and email, and take notes Ways to use Siri to search for files on your Mac What Siri can and can't do for you on an Apple TV or HomePod How to make and use Siri Shortcuts on an iOS device or Apple Watch Everything you need to know about your privacy where Siri is involved Plus bonus videos! Since Siri is an audio-based, interactive tool, there are some things that are more readily demonstrated than written about. So Scholle has put together a series of videos that illustrate techniques from her book, allowing you to see and hear exactly what happens as you use Siri. Whether you're new to Siri or a seasoned pro, you're sure to find lots of tricks and suggestions in this book to improve your experience of using Siri.

Take Control of Siri

Make the most of Apple’s digital assistant! Version 3.0, updated April 22, 2025 When it comes to using your Apple devices, Siri is the hands-free, time-saving, and fun technology that ties everything together. Whether you want to ask a question, make a call, find your iPhone, or set a timer, not only can Siri do it, but it usually offers the fastest way. This book explores how to get the most out of Siri on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod.n Siri, Apple's voice-controlled digital assistant, has been around since 2010, when it debuted on the iPhone. But since then, it has become vastly more powerful and useful, and has spread across Apple's entire ecosystem—it now runs on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod. Siri can listen and speak in a wide range of languages and accents, perform a long list of helpful day-to-day tasks, and keep you entertained in the process. And, starting with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS 15.2, Siri gains both Apple Intelligence features and a connection to ChatGPT. Although Siri is easy to use, it's so multitalented that you might easily overlook some of its best features. In this book, former Macworld editor Scholle McFarland takes you deep into Siri's capabilities. You'll learn tons of tips and tricks about making the most of Siri. Discover how Siri can increase your efficiency and productivity, lend a hand when you're in the car or out for a jog, and even make it simpler to play music or find movies and TV shows to watch. Among many other things, this book teaches you: • What hardware and software you need to use Siri • The relationship between Siri and Apple Intelligence (on supported devices) • How to change Siri's language, voice, and speed • Ways to personalize Siri by telling it about yourself, your contacts, and more • The numerous ways to activate Siri (by touch or by voice) • How to use Siri with AirPods, wired earbuds, or third-party headphones • The (optional) role of ChatGPT in answering Siri requests • When and to what extent you can use Siri without an internet connection • What to do if the wrong device answers your "Siri" or "Hey Siri" request • How to ask Siri about sports, math and conversions, time, food, health, movies, people, stocks, the weather, jokes, real-world sounds, random facts, and more • Tips for asking Siri follow-up questions • How to control music (on any device, with or without an Apple Music subscription) • Techniques for using Siri to get directions, set reminders and appointments, send messages and email, start FaceTime calls, take notes, read articles, and get help with your Apple products • How to use Siri to share what's on your screen with Messages • What Siri can and can't do for you on an Apple TV or HomePod • How to get your HomePod to recognize different people's voices • Everything you need to know about your privacy where Siri is involved Whether you're new to Siri or a seasoned pro, you're sure to find lots of tricks and suggestions in this book to improve your experience of using Siri.

Take Control of Siri, 3rd Edition

Make the most of Apple’s digital assistant! Version 2.0, published December 22, 2020 When it comes to using your Apple devices, Siri is increasingly the hands-free, time-saving, and fun technology that ties everything together. Whether you want to ask a question, make a call, find your iPhone, or set a timer—not only can Siri do it, but it usually offers the fastest way. This book explores how to get the most out of Siri on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, Mac, and HomePod. Siri, Apple's voice-controlled digital assistant, has been around since 2011, when it debuted on the iPhone. But since then, it has become vastly more powerful and useful, and has spread across Apple's entire ecosystem—it now runs on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod. Siri can listen and speak in a wide range of languages and accents, perform a long list of helpful day-to-day tasks, and keep you entertained in the process. Although Siri is easy to use, it's so multitalented that you might easily overlook some of its best features. In this book, former Macworld editor Scholle McFarland takes you deep into Siri's capabilities. You'll learn tons of tips and tricks about making the most of Siri. Discover how Siri can increase your efficiency and productivity, lend a hand when you're in the car or out for a jog, and even make it simpler to play music or find movies and TV shows to watch. Among many other things, this book teaches you: • What hardware and software you need to use Siri • How to change Siri's language and voice • Ways to personalize Siri by telling it about yourself, your contacts, and more • The numerous ways to activate Siri (by touch or by voice) • How to use Siri with AirPods, wired earbuds, or third-party headphones • What to do if the wrong device answers your "Hey Siri" request • How to ask Siri about sports, math and conversions, time, food, health, movies, people, stocks, the weather, jokes, real-world sounds, and random facts • Tips for asking Siri follow-up questions • How to control music (on any device, with or without an Apple Music subscription) • Techniques for using Siri to get directions, set reminders and appointments, send messages and email, and take notes • Ways to use Siri to search for files on your Mac • What Siri can and can't do for you on an Apple TV or HomePod • How to make and use Shortcuts for use with Siri on an iOS/iPadOS device or Apple Watch • How to get your HomePod to recognize different people's voices • Everything you need to know about your privacy where Siri is involved Plus bonus videos! Since Siri is an audio-based, interactive tool, there are some things that are more readily demonstrated than written about. So Scholle has put together a series of videos that illustrate techniques from her book, allowing you to see and hear exactly what happens as you use Siri. Whether you're new to Siri or a seasoned pro, you're sure to find lots of tricks and suggestions in this book to improve your experience of using Siri.

Take Control of Siri, 2nd Edition

Glenn Fleishman

Manage your schedule more effectively using Calendar and Reminders! Version 4.1, updated November 21, 2022 Learn basic techniques and special tips for keeping yourself on time and on track with Apple’s Calendar and Reminders apps.n In the days before personal computers and mobile devices, we had to rely on paper calendars and to-do lists to help us organize our time and activities. Now, we have powerful tools, like Apple’s Calendar and Reminders, that are much more responsive to our needs. Put an event on your schedule, invite others to join, or set yourself an alarm (or more than one). Or, keep a list of to-do items, add to it and view it on all your Apple devices, and share your list with family or friends. This book was originally written by veteran Mac journalist and editor Scholle McFarland, and the fourth edition was updated by Glenn Fleishman, with complete coverage of macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 15/iPadOS 15, and iOS 16/iPadOS 16. Scholle and Glenn guide you through getting to know these incredibly helpful apps, including lesser-known (but handy) features. For example, did you know that Calendar lets you set an alert that factors in public transportation schedules and time to get to your starting point, so you can leave early enough to catch the train, bus, tram, or ferry you need—and any connections—and arrive at your event on time? Or that Reminders can prompt you to do something not only at a certain time, but also once you’ve reached a specific destination, like the grocery store? If you’ve never taken the opportunity to explore Calendar and Reminders, this book will show you how to make them an important part of your daily routine. If you’ve already been using Calendar and Reminders, you’ll learn how to use them more effectively, troubleshoot common problems, and delve deeper into their capabilities. This fully revised fourth edition is now up to date with macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 16/iPadOS 16, and watchOS 9 (as well as covering the previous version of each operating system), and it has been expanded with new topics and additional tips. Learn how to get the best out of Calendar and Reminders, including how to: • Customize Calendar to your liking, from setting time zones, to color coding specific calendars • Create events, making them repeat at regular intervals or on certain dates • Set up notifications and alerts, so you never miss an event • Invite people to events, or share your calendar with them • Create, manage, and share lists in Reminders, including powerful new smart lists • Set alarms in Reminders at a certain time or a certain place • Tag entries for better searching and organizing in Reminders • Use Siri to save time when creating events or reminders • Easily check events and reminders on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or HomePod • Troubleshoot common problems in Calendar and Reminders • Share calendars and reminders using iCloud Family Sharing, and assign reminders to a specific person • Sort reminders on your Mac • Print a calendar (to paper or PDF) • Embed video links in Calendar events for quick launching

Take Control of Calendar and Reminders, 4th Edition

Manage your schedule more effectively using Calendar and Reminders! In the days before personal computers and mobile devices, we had to rely on paper calendars and to-do lists to help us organize our time and activities. Now, we have powerful tools, like Apple's Calendar and Reminders, that are much more responsive to our needs. Put an event on your schedule, invite others to join, or set yourself an alarm (or more than one). Or, keep a list of to-do items, add to it and view it on all your Apple devices, and share your list with family or friends. In this book, veteran Mac journalist and editor Scholle McFarland will guide you through getting to know these incredibly helpful apps, including lesser-known (but handy) features. For example, did you know that in Calendar you can set an alert for when you need to leave for an event, based on the travel time calculated using the location you entered for the event? Or that Reminders can prompt you to do something not only at a certain time, but also once you've reached a specific destination, like the grocery store? If you've never taken the opportunity to explore Calendar and Reminders, this book will show you how to make them an important part of your daily routine. If you've already been using Calendar and Reminders, you'll learn how to use them more effectively, troubleshoot common problems, and delve deeper into their capabilities. Whip your schedule into shape and tame your to-do lists with Take Control of Calendar and Reminders! Let Scholle walk you through how to get the best out of Calendar and Reminders, including how to: Customize Calendar to your liking, from setting time zones, to color coding specific calendars Create events, making them repeat at regular intervals or on certain dates Set up notifications and alerts, so you never miss an event Invite people to events, or share your calendar with them Create, manage, and share lists in Reminders Set alarms in Reminders at a certain time or a certain place Use Siri to save time when creating events or reminders Easily check events and reminders on your Mac, iPhone, or Apple Watch Troubleshoot common problems in Calendar and Reminders Share calendars and reminders using iCloud Family Sharing.

Take Control of Calendar and Reminders, 1st Edition

Manage your schedule more effectively using Calendar and Reminders! Updated June 6, 2019 In the days before personal computers and mobile devices, we had to rely on paper calendars and to-do lists to help us organize our time and activities. Now, we have powerful tools, like Apple's Calendar and Reminders, that are much more responsive to our needs. Put an event on your schedule, invite others to join, or set yourself an alarm (or more than one). Or, keep a list of to-do items, add to it and view it on all your Apple devices, and share your list with family or friends. In this book, veteran Mac journalist and editor Scholle McFarland will guide you through getting to know these incredibly helpful apps, including lesser-known (but handy) features. For example, did you know that in Calendar you can set an alert for when you need to leave for an event, based on the travel time calculated using the location you entered for the event? Or that Reminders can prompt you to do something not only at a certain time, but also once you've reached a specific destination, like the grocery store? If you've never taken the opportunity to explore Calendar and Reminders, this book will show you how to make them an important part of your daily routine. If you've already been using Calendar and Reminders, you'll learn how to use them more effectively, troubleshoot common problems, and delve deeper into their capabilities. This fully revised second edition is now fully up to date with Mojave and iOS 12, and it has been expanded with new topics and lots of additional tips. Let Scholle walk you through how to get the best out of Calendar and Reminders, including how to: Customize Calendar to your liking, from setting time zones, to color coding specific calendars Create events, making them repeat at regular intervals or on certain dates Set up notifications and alerts, so you never miss an event Invite people to events, or share your calendar with them Create, manage, and share lists in Reminders Set alarms in Reminders at a certain time or a certain place Use Siri to save time when creating events or reminders Use Siri Shortcuts to automate common tasks with Calendar and Reminders Easily check events and reminders on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch Troubleshoot common problems in Calendar and Reminders Share calendars and reminders using iCloud Family Sharing Sort reminders on your Mac Print a calendar (to paper or PDF)

Take Control of Calendar and Reminders, 2nd Edition

Manage your schedule more effectively using Calendar and Reminders! Updated January 26, 2021 Learn basic techniques and special tips for keeping yourself on time and on track with Apple’s Calendar and Reminders apps.n In the days before personal computers and mobile devices, we had to rely on paper calendars and to-do lists to help us organize our time and activities. Now, we have powerful tools, like Apple’s Calendar and Reminders, that are much more responsive to our needs. Put an event on your schedule, invite others to join, or set yourself an alarm (or more than one). Or, keep a list of to-do items, add to it and view it on all your Apple devices, and share your list with family or friends. In this book, veteran Mac journalist and editor Scholle McFarland will guide you through getting to know these incredibly helpful apps, including lesser-known (but handy) features. For example, did you know that in Calendar you can set an alert for when you need to leave for an event, based on the travel time calculated using the location you entered for the event? Or that Reminders can prompt you to do something not only at a certain time, but also once you’ve reached a specific destination, like the grocery store? If you’ve never taken the opportunity to explore Calendar and Reminders, this book will show you how to make them an important part of your daily routine. If you’ve already been using Calendar and Reminders, you’ll learn how to use them more effectively, troubleshoot common problems, and delve deeper into their capabilities. This fully revised third edition is now fully up to date with Big Sur and iOS 14/iPadOS 14, and it has been expanded with new topics and additional tips. Let Scholle walk you through how to get the best out of Calendar and Reminders, including how to: • Customize Calendar to your liking, from setting time zones, to color coding specific calendars • Create events, making them repeat at regular intervals or on certain dates • Set up notifications and alerts, so you never miss an event • Invite people to events, or share your calendar with them • Create, manage, and share lists in Reminders • Set alarms in Reminders at a certain time or a certain place • Use Siri to save time when creating events or reminders • Use Shortcuts to automate common tasks with Calendar and Reminders • Easily check events and reminders on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or HomePod • Troubleshoot common problems in Calendar and Reminders • Share calendars and reminders using iCloud Family Sharing, and assign reminders to a specific person • Sort reminders on your Mac • Print a calendar (to paper or PDF)

Scholle McFarland

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