How to use Siri's new features in iOS 6

(Credit: Jason Cipriani/CNET)

Siri was useful on iOS 5, but it often felt like it should be capable of more. With iOS 6, Siri has gained some new capabilities, all of which are nice additions to the personal assistant on iOS.

Siri can now make reservations, give you movie info, keep you up to date on sports, launch apps and post to Twitter and Facebook on your behalf. Let's start by taking a look at the process to make a reservation using Siri.

Reservations (Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET) In order for Siri to create a reservation for you, you'll need to have the OpenTable app from the App Store installed and set up. Siri doesn't actually call the restaurant; instead it interfaces with OpenTable.

Once you have that app installed, launch Siri and ask for a reservation for the night, time, and number of guests you want. You can request a specific venue or let Siri give you some recommendations. You'll also be able to read Yelp reviews directly from the venue's information card should you be uncertain about a place.

Once you've found a time and place that'll work, tap on it, and then select Make Reservation. Siri will then launch the OpenTable app with the venue, time, and number of guests already filled out for ... [Read more]