Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Apple Integrates AI Audio Tech With $1.6B Q.ai Acquisition in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Tech giant Apple made a $1.6 billion acquisition to advance the capabilities of its electronic products. The company acquired Q.ai, an AI company backed by the likes of Matter Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins and Spark Capital, according to reporting by Reuters. While the startup is relatively discreet about what it does, its technology leverages AI and machine learning to help devices enhance audio in challenging environments.
Q.ai is based in Israel and comprised of a team of 100 people. The startup filed a patent application last year to use facial skin micromovements, enabling it to detect words spoken at a whisper, assess facial emotions and more, according to the Reuters article.
The move comes about a year after Apple made advancements to its AirPods product, allowing the earbuds to translate speech between languages. Q.ai’s entire team will be integrated into Apple, including CEO Aviad Maizels and co-founders Yonatan Wexler and Avi Barliya. Joining the tech giant grants Q.ai increased opportunities to further its tech’s capabilities.