Apple Buys Israeli AI Startup That Interprets Facial Movements
Apple Inc. has acquired Israel-based artificial intelligence startup Q.ai, which develops technology to read facial movements and understand silent communication.
The under-the-radar company was founded by Aviad Maizels, one of the creators of the startup Apple acquired a decade ago to develop Face ID. The new technology could help Apple improve its voice products and AI features like Siri.
Apple did not disclose the purchase price on Thursday, but the deal marks one of several notable acquisitions the iPhone maker has made recently. The Financial Times stated that the valuation was close to $2 billion.
“Q is an extraordinary company pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning technologies,” Johny Srouji, who oversees Apple’s custom silicon chips and Israel-based teams, told YNet News. He said Apple is “even more excited about what’s ahead.”
Q.ai technology can understand silent communication by analyzing the movement of a person’s facial muscles as they speak. According to the startup’s website, investors include Google Ventures, Spark Capital and Kleiner Perkins.
Q.ai technology can also be used to enhance audio on devices like AirPods. Headsets are expected to become an increasingly powerful AI hardware offering in the coming months and years, as many companies, including OpenAI, explore new features and designs.
Apple added new AI-enhanced AirPods capabilities last year, including a live translation mode. The technology can also be useful for apps like FaceTime, smart glasses, and headphones.
“We combined advanced machine learning with physics to create something truly deep and unique,” Maizels, who founded PrimeSense, which was previously acquired by Apple, and left Apple a few years ago, said in a statement. “Being a part of Apple provides extraordinary opportunities to push boundaries and bring these experiences to people around the world.”
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to the text.
