Apple has bought another company. It's a startup, actually. An artificial-intelligence startup that could drastically improve the way you use Siri on the iPhone.
The startup, called VocalIQ, is UK-based
and specialises in developing technology that not only improves a computer's
ability to understand human speech but also to “speak” or sound more naturally.
According to VocalIQ's website, the company create a self-learning dialogue API
after 10 years of natural language research.
Apple has issued a statement confirming
the deal, according to Financial Times, though it refused to discuss the deal's
purpose or plans. That said, it's easy to see how the acquisition could help
Apple improve its virtual assistant, Siri, which is controlled by voice
commands and talks back to users.
Financial Times also said Apple might use
the technology for its upcoming car, because VocalIQ dabbles with in-car
applications. The Wall Street Journal reported last year that VocalIQ was
working with General Motors on a system that enables drivers to control their
cars’ navigation and entertainment systems via voice.
VocalIQ has said its deep-learning
software and technology can help computers to better understand commands and
their context based on interactions with humans. The company also criticised
Siri in a past blog post, referring to the virtual assistant a "toy"
and ridiculing Siri's inability to understand context and learn.
Terms of the Apple and VocalIQ's deal
weren’t disclosed.
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