But most usage is across a relatively limited set of functions, according to consulting group Parks Associates, which surveyed 482 owners of the iPhone 4S, the only device to carry the service.

Those complaints were echoed by Parks Associates, which found that the technology stirred up strong emotions in users; many either raved about or panned Siri in anecdotal comments. The comments ranged from “best thing since the invention of toast” to “it’s very disappointing,” according to the report.

Parks Associates conducted the research amid an expected boom in voice-activated technology as consumer electronics companies try to broaden how their devices are used.

John Barrett, director of consumer analytics at Parks Associates, says he was surprised respondents didn’t express strong interest in Siri-like voice-based search for their television, a consumer device consumers constantly complain is difficult to navigate. Microsoft offers voice-activated search through its Kinect Xbox accessory.

Only 37% of 4S owners said they definitely wanted voice-commands on their television set, while 20% said they did not want them there. Mr. Barrett said he attributes the “limited enthusiasm” for the feature on TVs to concerns it doesn’t work well in noisy areas. “When watching TV there is so much background noise,” he said.

From the article, "Apple’s Siri Gains Traction–For Some Things" by Jessica E. Vascellaro

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