Apple patent is for multi-user devices that reopens to individual voices — Apple World Today

However, Apple says that some techniques for multi-user configuration using electronic devices “are generally cumbersome and inefficient.” For example, some existing techniques use a complex and time-consuming user interface, which may include multiple key presses or keystrokes. Existing techniques require more time than necessary, wasting user time and device energy.

Apple says it’s idea is for a technique that provides electronic devices with faster, more efficient methods and interfaces for multi-user configuration. I could optionally complement or replace other methods for multi-user configuration and “reduce the cognitive burden on a user and produce a more efficient human-machine interface.”

Here’s Apple’s summary of the patent: “Examples of multi-user configuration are disclosed. An example method includes, at an electronic device: receiving a request; and in response to the request: if the voice input does not match a voice profile associated with an account associated with the electronic device: causing output of first information based on the request using a first account associated with the electronic device; if a setting of the electronic device has a first state, causing update of account data of the first account based on the request; and if the setting has a second state, forgoing causing update of the account data; and if the voice input matches a voice profile associated with an account associated with the electronic device: causing output of the first information using the account associated with the matching voice profile; and causing update of account data of the account based on the request.”