When Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) introduced the iPhone 4S in October of 2011, many reviewers slammed the smartphone maker for not offering anything substantial. The majority of the critics downplayed the software virtual assistant Siri stating that it is nothing new. Those same reviewers now may have to put their foot in their mouth since the technology company with the highest market capitalization in the world is placing high bets on Siri and in the future will possibly have every product of its own equipped with Siri.

Changing the Way People Listen to Music, Again

When Apple first introduced its legendary music player, the iPod into the market, the music industry was saved from certain oblivion. Users actually started buying music online, rather than just downloading pirated copies from the Internet. Though the iPod later was overshadowed by the iPhone and the iPad, Apple is planning to introduce wearable iPods with Siri. In a nutshell, people will wear their iPods on their wrists like watches, and Siri will do the rest of the work. The user can change the song, update the playlist, download a new song, or simply increase the volume by relaying a voice command to Siri. Another winner in the making.

iPad 3 and Siri

At present, Siri is available only on the iPhone 4S. However, it is almost certain that the next generation of iPad will come embedded with Siri. Though the iPad 2 was introduced into the market keeping in mind the needs of business executives and professionals in mind, the average users around the world found it more useful in more than one way. Thousands of schools and universities around the world are using the iPad for dispensing educational materials to their students. Children are learning things faster and better, thanks to the iPad. And when Siri comes to the iPad, the functionality of the iPad will skyrocket. It is rumored that the iPad 3’s Siri will soon be connected to Wikipedia. Thus not only will Siri become your personal assistant, it will also answer virtually every question from the user, it does not matter if you are in elementary school, college, or not in school at all!

It is a well known fact that pilots – both commercial and military – are now using iPad’s instead of voluminous paper made flight manuals for accessing critical information during flights. Siri could also be used at medical centers where every patient needs to answer pre-screening questions before the patient faces the doctor. This will dramatically reduce the time spent by nurses and medical professionals when pre-screening their patients. These are just some of the possibilities that Siri could satisfy once it becomes accessible on the iPad 3.

The Next Big Thing, Apple TV aka iTV

What the iPod did to the music industry may soon be applicable to the television’s world. Apple is in talks with several media companies over sharing their content on Apple’s next big offering, Apple TV. Believed to be based on BlueTooth 4 technology, users will be able to consume television content according their will. Of course the biggest draw will be Siri, which will empower the user to control the television set, sans the remote. Apart from the TV, users will also be able to consume the same television content on their iPhones and iPads on the go. However, certain impediments, in the form of piracy concerns, are still stalling the progress.

Are You Invested in Apple?

Are you aware of the fact that Apple’s shares, since 2002, have increased 53-fold? Apple not only is the most valued technology company with the highest market capitalization, it also is the company with the highest cash reserves. It is reported that Apple may pay hefty dividends in 2012 to all its investors. Apple thus is a must have stock in your IRA portfolio. And if it is not, it is time to log on to IRA.com, talk to a financial advisor, and find out more about how Apple can work for you even if you do not have a need for one of its products.

What is better than owning Apple stock? Owning Apple stock in an IRA.