![[ios6-siri.jpg|300]] IOS 6 Siri ([Wikimedia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IOS_6_Siri_picture.jpg)) Siri is a virtual assistant developed by Apple Inc. for its various operating systems. Siri uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to user commands and queries. It can perform a wide range of tasks, such as setting reminders, sending messages, making phone calls, playing music or podcasts, and providing information on weather conditions or sports scores. Siri can also interact with other apps installed on the device and control connected smart home devices. The technology that powers Siri was developed by a team of engineers and computer scientists at SRI International, a nonprofit research institute based in Menlo Park, California. The team, led by Adam Cheyer, developed a virtual assistant named CALO (Cognitive Assistant that Learns and Organizes) that was designed to help users with a wide range of tasks. In 2008, Cheyer left SRI to co-found a startup called Siri, Inc. with Dag Kittlaus and Tom Gruber, two other members of the CALO team. The startup was focused on developing a commercial virtual assistant based on the technology they had developed at SRI. Apple saw the potential of the technology and acquired Siri, Inc. in 2010, bringing Cheyer and his team on board to continue developing the technology as part of Apple. Apple Siri was first introduced in 2011 with the release of the iPhone 4S.