Apple Modifies WWDC Keynote Audio to Mute Siri
Apple subtly altered its WWDC keynote audio, removing specific frequencies when "Siri" was mentioned. This was an attempt to prevent audience devices from accidentally activating the voice assistant. While the technique was observed, some viewers reported their devices still triggered, indicating partial effectiveness.
Key points
- Apple modified its recent WWDC keynote video audio by removing specific frequencies when the word "Siri" was spoken.
- The modification targeted frequency bands between 3kHz and 6kHz to prevent nearby Apple devices from activating the assistant.
- Observers on X noted the audio manipulation using spectrogram screenshots.
- Despite the effort, some viewers reported their devices still activated during the presentation.
- A similar technique was reportedly used by Amazon for Alexa advertisements in 2017.
During its recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, Apple employed a subtle audio engineering technique to prevent unintended voice assistant activations. The company appears to have selectively removed specific frequency bands from the audio whenever the word "Siri" was spoken.
This method, designed to bypass wake-word detection, targeted frequencies between 3kHz and 6kHz. These bands are crucial for the phonetic recognition of "Siri" and "Hey Siri." By reducing the acoustic energy in these ranges, Apple aimed to stop HomePods, iPhones, iPads, and Macs in audience members' homes from being triggered by the presentation.
While the modification was noted by observers who shared visual evidence via spectrograms, its effectiveness was not absolute. Multiple viewers reported that their devices still activated during the keynote, suggesting the audio manipulation did not entirely succeed. This approach mirrors a tactic reportedly used by Amazon in 2017 for its Alexa television commercials to avoid triggering Echo smart speakers.
Sources
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