Voice Commands
An Ari OS device is run by speaking to it. Wherever a computer would have you click a button, you say what the button says instead.
Commands are written on screen in capital letters. Say what you see and it happens. You do not need to say anything first to get the device's attention, and you do not need to speak loudly.
Selecting by number
Where a screen holds a list, each item carries a number. Say "SELECT ITEM" followed by that number.
This is the quicker route when names are long, similar to each other, or awkward to say. "SELECT ITEM 3" is easier than reading out a file name.
Commands that work everywhere
These work on any screen, whatever app you are in.
| Voice Command | Action |
|---|---|
| "NAVIGATE HOME" | Returns to Ari Home. |
| "NAVIGATE BACK" | Goes back one screen. |
| "MY SETTINGS" | Opens the device settings. |
| "SHOW HELP" | Lists every command available on the current screen. |
| "HIDE HELP" | Closes that list. |
| "SHOW NOTIFICATIONS" | Opens the notifications panel. |
| "HIDE NOTIFICATIONS" | Closes it. |
| "RECENT APPLICATIONS" | Shows the apps that are still open. |
| "MUTE MICROPHONE" | Stops the device listening. |
| "FLASHLIGHT ON" / "FLASHLIGHT OFF" | Turns the light on the device on and off. |
| "SELECT ITEM" followed by a number | Selects the item carrying that number. |
| "PAGE UP" / "PAGE DOWN" / "PAGE LEFT" / "PAGE RIGHT" | Moves through a screen that scrolls. |
Not all of these are offered all of the time. "SHOW HELP" and "HIDE HELP" swap depending on whether the list is open, as do the two notification commands. The flashlight commands need a device with a light. The page commands need a screen with something that scrolls. On a device with the Ari assistant, "HEY ARI" is on this list too.
When the device stops responding
"MUTE MICROPHONE" stops the device listening, and a red warning appears on screen. Voice commands cannot turn listening back on, because the device is not listening. Press the Action Button once and it resumes.
The commands in the table above are also switched off while the screen is locked with a PIN or a pattern, so that nobody can drive a locked device by talking to it. The commands written on the lock screen itself still work, which is how you unlock it. The rest come back once you are in.
Show Help
Say "SHOW HELP" on any screen for everything you can say on it, the commands above and whatever that screen adds. It is the fastest way to find out what is available without guessing.
Third-party applications
An app that did not come with the device has its own commands, chosen by whoever wrote it. "SHOW HELP" still works and still lists them. If one of them does not respond, it is the app that needs looking at, not the device.