Siri, a spin-off from Standford University, is releasing an app that marries cognitive software with voice-activated search. The result: a smarter search function that takes into account the users' preferences as it learns them over time.

This process starts as soon as a user sets up an account with Siri; the app begins to gather information and store it for later context. Even without the personalization, the app is able to complete e-commerce transactions and other tasks. (via the Wall Street Journal).

How Smart?

Its software is based on artificial technology - Cognitive Assistant that Learns and Organizes, or CALO - developed by SRI International several years ago, according to the Journal. GPS, together with an ecosystem of web services and programming interfaces, facilitate the local search and e-commerce functionality.

A user might ask where the best place would be for him to a get a haircut and Siri will pull up suggestions within walking distance of his location, according to the Journal.

Asks Questions

It can handle more complicated requests - and go back to the user when it doesn’t have enough information - as well. Siri co-founder and CEO Dag Kittlaus illustrated the app by asking it to "find a fancy French restaurant for two people tomorrow night in San Francisco," according to eWeek.

Siri called OpenTable  - a real time reservation system for fine dining restaurants - found possibilities and then returned them to Kittlaus, who could then book the table with a click. Siri also asked him how many seats did he need the reserveration for when Kittlaus didn’t provide that information.

Siri is now available from Apple's App Store. In a few months it is expected to be available for Google's Android and Research In Motion's platforms.