The author of the article has been using Siri more frequently and finding it to be a reliable assistant, thanks to the new Siri AI that was recently made available as part of Apple's public betas. The new Siri incorporates Google's Gemini model and has been able to answer the author's questions accurately, including providing information from the author's calendar. The author notes that while other AI assistants may be more charming and conversational, Siri's straightforward and no-nonsense approach is a design choice that prioritizes providing helpful information over engaging in small talk. Apple's software chief, Craig Federighi, explained that Siri is designed to be a helpful tool, not a romantic partner or a source of entertainment. The author compares Siri to other AI assistants, such as ChatGPT and Claude, and finds that while they may have their strengths, Siri's integration with Apple's platforms and its seamless transition between voice and display modes make it a more user-friendly experience. The author also notes that the development of AI assistants is a rapidly evolving field, with many companies, including OpenAI, working on new products and features. OpenAI is reportedly working on a portable, battery-operated screenless speaker, but the author is skeptical about its potential for success. The author concludes that the most important thing for AI assistants is to provide helpful and accurate information, and that Siri's straightforward approach is a virtue in this regard. Overall, the author is impressed with the new Siri AI and finds it to be a useful tool, but notes that there is still much work to be done in the development of AI assistants. The author also hopes that other companies will continue to develop ambitious AI assistants for Apple's platforms, as this will drive innovation and improvement in the field.