Summary
- Apple has acquired Q.ai for around $2 billion, its second-largest purchase after Beats.
- Q.ai's technology uses machine learning to detect minute facial movements to understand silent speech.
- Apple could use this technology to enable non-verbal Siri commands or use it in Apple Glass development.
Apple has confirmed that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli-based AI startup that focuses on audio and biometric imaging. While the financial terms are undisclosed, reports have tagged the transaction as a multi-billion-dollar one and Apple's second-largest acquisition in history.
Apple could work on Silent Speech and Non-Verbal Siri
Reported first by Reuters, Apple has acquired Q.ai, the folks working on interpreting silent speech using machine learning to track minute changes in skin texture and facial skin micro-movements. The startup's technology can tell apart speech from lip movements alone.
As for what this could mean for Apple, it could eventually allow users to interact with Siri or place phone calls entirely through nonverbal communication, which could be useful in loud environments. Or Apple could also incorporate features into its AirPods or upcoming Glasses to get the most out of the deal. It also comes in at an interesting time, since Gemini-powered Siri was recently confirmed as well.
Talking about the startup, Apple's hardware chief Johny Srouji was all praises for the company's creative use of ML and imaging. He said:
(Q.ai) is a remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning. We’re thrilled to acquire the company, with Aviad at the helm, and are even more excited for what’s to come.
This acquisition brings familiar talent back to Apple as Q.ai's CEO Aviad Maizel previously helped Apple build Face ID via his firm PrimeSense, which Apple also purchased in 2013. It served as the foundation for Face ID, which was first used in the iPhone X.
Besides silent communication, Q.ai has also been working on using AI more creatively to track vital signs such as pulse or breathing patterns. It's similar to Apple's recent move to add heart rate monitoring to the latest AirPods Pro 3.
All-in-all, this acquisition signals that despite facing hurdles in software, Apple wants to stay ahead in the AI hardware race, potentially challenging its competitors Meta and OpenAI, who are also working on their own AI wearables.
Source
Reuters
