Apple Buys French AI Startup for Undisclosed Sum

What you should know

  • 2024 is highlighted as a pivotal year for AI, especially in mobile technology, with Apple expected to introduce significant AI enhancements in iOS during WWDC 2024.
  • Apple plans to integrate AI more deeply into the iPhone, aiming to run AI tasks on-device for faster and more secure operations, moving away from cloud-based processing.
  • Apple’s acquisition of French AI startup Datakalab, which specializes in AI compression and computer vision technology, indicates a strategic move towards enhancing on-device AI capabilities.
  • Datakalab’s technology focuses on privacy and efficiency, processing images into anonymized statistical data on-device within 100ms, aligning with Apple’s emphasis on privacy.


Full Story

Alright, let’s dive right in. 2024? It’s basically the year AI decided to take over, in a good way, of course. Got a phone? If it’s not whispering sweet nothings in AI language, you’re practically in the Stone Age. Okay, maybe that’s pushing it a bit, but you catch my drift.

Now, everyone’s eyes are glued to WWDC 2024. Why? Apple’s dropping what they’re calling the biggest iOS update ever. And Mark Gurman over at Bloomberg? He’s hinting that Apple’s gearing up to make our lives a breeze with some AI magic. Siri’s getting a makeover too, and it’s about time.

Here’s the kicker: Apple’s playing it smart by keeping the AI party on the iPhone itself. No cloud reliance here. Sure, the cloud’s got muscle, but Apple’s betting on speed and security. It’s a bit of a gamble, though. Can the iPhone handle the heavy lifting? That’s the million-dollar question.

But wait, there’s more. Apple’s not officially spilled the beans, but there’s chatter. A French mag, Challenges, dropped a bombshell. Apple’s gone shopping in France, picking up a little AI outfit called Datakalab. These folks are wizards with AI compression and computer vision tech. And guess what? It all happens on your device.

Back in the day, Datakalab teamed up with the French government. Their mission? To check if folks were masking up in Paris with AI. Oh, and they’ve rubbed elbows with Disney too. Fancy, right?

Now, onto the juicy bits. Apple’s snagged Datakalab, but they’re keeping mum on the price tag. Classic Apple move, right? They’ve got a knack for scouting out these hidden gems, sprinkling some Apple magic, and voilà. Remember AuthenTec? That’s the crew behind Touch ID, and Apple scooped them up for a cool $356 million back in 2012. Fast forward a year, and the iPhone 5s is wowing us with fingerprint magic.

Before it vanished into the Apple abyss, Datakalab’s site had some interesting tidbits. They’re all about analyzing public spaces, turning images into anonymous stats faster than you can say “privacy.” And true to form, they’re sticklers for keeping things on the down-low, prioritizing privacy from the get-go.

So, there you have it. Apple’s latest play is more than just a purchase; it’s a peek into a future where our iPhones are not just smart but downright insightful. And with a team like Datakalab in their corner, who knows what’s next? One thing’s for sure: the road ahead looks intriguing.

Derrick Flynn
Derrick Flynnhttps://www.phonesinsights.com
With over four years of experience in tech journalism, Derrick has honed his skills and knowledge to become a vital part of the PhonesInsights team. His intuitive reviews and insightful commentary on the latest smartphones and wearable technology consistently provide our readers with valuable information.

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