Enhance Siri’s Capabilities with GoogolPlex: Control Any App
Note: GoogolPlex is no longer available.
Originally launched with the iPhone 4S in 2011, Siri lets you control native iOS apps using voice commands. However, it doesn’t work with third-party apps unless you jailbreak your device.
Good news! A hack named GoogolPlex, created by four University of Pennsylvania students for the PennApps Spring 2014 hackathon, aims to change this.
GoogolPlex reroutes your Siri requests to its own server using a man-in-the-middle exploit. This allows it to understand a broader set of commands than Apple permits. The best part? No jailbreak is needed, it’s quick to install, and you can customize it using JavaScript.
How to Make Siri Say Anything
Siri is the artificial intelligence personal assistant made available on your iPhone. It will answer to all your... Read more
Setting Up GoogolPlex
First, navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap the i icon next to your current network.
Scroll down to HTTP PROXY, select Auto, and enter “http://totally.betterthansiri.com” in the URL field.
Activate GoogolPlex by saying a command like “GoogolPlex play Michael Jackson” to Siri. You’ll be prompted to trust the server and log in or register an account.
Registration is simple, and you can later create custom commands.
Once registered, log in to start using GoogolPlex.
Features
GoogolPlex allows you to use Siri with third-party apps and even create your own custom commands. You can also use scripts created by others.
Initially, GoogolPlex provides some default commands, like playing Michael Jackson songs on Spotify.
It also integrates with hardware like Nest Thermostats and Tesla cars, allowing voice-controlled actions.
Creating Custom Commands
GoogolPlex lets you create custom commands using JavaScript. You can even import JavaScript libraries if needed.
Here’s how to create a command:
1. Log in and click Add a New Siri Command.
2. Name your command, set the trigger phrase, and write the script.
3. Click Save Siri Command. You can edit or delete it later.
4. Share your command if you think it will be useful to others.
Featured Commands
You can browse and install commands created by others if you’re not comfortable making your own.
Conclusion
GoogolPlex significantly enhances Siri’s functionality, allowing it to work with third-party apps. While Apple hasn’t responded yet, this is currently the best way to expand Siri’s capabilities without jailbreaking.