THE NEWS WRAP: Apple files patent for Siri-like desktop virtual assistant with advanced features

Apple has filed a patent in the US for a new desktop virtual assistant that is very similar to Apple’s iOS assistant Siri, AppleInsider reports.

Siri has been an iOS staple since 2011 but has not yet made the jump to OS X.

The 92-page patent details an “intelligent digital assistant in a desktop environment” and describes technology that goes far beyond Mac’s current voice dictation feature.

The new assistant is able to process natural speech and text input to perform actions like completing tasks, inputting and retrieving data, conduct searches and more.

Yahoo to offer users end-to-end encryption

Since hiring security researcher Alex Stamos, Yahoo has been working to increase its security practices.

Now Stamos has announced that the company plans to add end-to-end encryption to Yahoo mail, following the lead of Google, which announced a similar move for Gmail back in June.

The result is Yahoo users will be able to send messages to other Yahoo mail and Gmail users that look meaningless to anyone but the sender and the recipient.

Netflix passes HBO in subscriber revenue

Online TV and movie streaming platform Netflix has announced last quarter it passed HBO in subscriber revenue.

“They still kick our ass in profits and Emmys, but we are making progress,” Netflix chief executive officer Reed Hastings says.

“HBO rocks, and we are honoured to be in the same league.”

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 75.07 to 16,368.27. The Australian dollar is currently trading at US93 cents.