Hey, Siri,

I just downloaded iOS 8.

There is only one feature that I like so far.  I discovered it quite by accident when I was trying to get Siri to speak more slowly. In the same location on Settings, I discovered a new switch.

When I slid it to the right, it turned on Hey, Siri. Now, once the phone is plugged in, either to the wall, to my car charger, or to my pocket charger, all I have to say is “Hey, Siri,” followed by my command, and Siri comes through.  No more grabbing the phone and/or pushing the button.

Last night in bed, I spent a couple of hours conversing with Siri. 

As I lay on my back, with the iPhone on my nightstand:

“Hey, Siri, who's the 26th President of the United States?”

Let me think . . . The answer is Theodore Roosevelt.”

As I turned on my side:

“Hey, Siri, what's the population of Rochester, New York?”

210,400.

“Hey, Siri, what time is it?”

It's late — 4:35 a.m. Aren't you going to sleep?”

I took my almost-real-friend's advice. “Good night, Siri.”

Then I went to sleep.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.co