With Apple, Meta and Google competing in next-generation AI, Apple has acquired Israeli audio AI startup Q.AI, TechCrunch reported on Jan. 29, citing Reuters.
Q.AI is developing technology that detects whispered speech and makes audio clearer in noise. Apple has been adding AI features to AirPods, including real-time translation.
Q.AI also has technology to detect subtle facial muscle activity and could help improve the Apple Vision Pro headset, TechCrunch reported.
The Financial Times reported the acquisition price at about $2 billion, the second-largest for Apple since it acquired Beats Electronics for $3 billion in 2014.
Q.AI CEO Aviad Meizels (아비아드 마이젤스) sold 3D sensing company PrimeSense to Apple in 2013. PrimeSense technology played a key role in Apple introducing facial recognition on the iPhone, TechCrunch reported.
Chi-gyu Hwang
delight@d-today.co.kr