Despite being quite the technology hub, between legal matters and rival products, Apple (News - Alert) is having quite the tough time lately, especially in the press. But now, the company reports a glimmer of good news in attempts to do something positive for Apple's consumers.

While Apple could not be immediately reached for comment, the acquisition of Siri, a mobile application that allows users to perform Web searches by voice command on a cellphone, signals the possible shift to a focus on the customer for the product infused company.

Self proclaimed as a virtual personal assistant for the iPhone (News - Alert) and the iPod Touch, Siri offers users the ability to speak commands using GPS and speech-recognition technology.

In an article from the New York Times, an Apple spokesman, Steve Dowling, declined to comment on the specifics of the Siri deal. "Apple buys smaller companies from time to time but doesn't comment on products or plans," he said.

Norman Winarsky, vice president of licensing and strategic programs at SRI International, a research lab that helped develop the application, confirmed the sale but would not elaborate further.

While they are quite sticklers for information, it seems the possibility of Apple looking to expand to a Google (News - Alert)-type search service in the future is more adamant now, especially with the Siri acquisition. Not to mention, the company's push to acquire smaller companies to keep a leg up on the competition over the last six months or so.