Apple buys machine learning firm Perceptio, suggests development of imaging AI
Apple on Monday confirmed the purchase of machine learning firm Perceptio, a startup focused on bringing advanced image-classifying artificial intelligence to smartphones by reducing data overhead typically required of conventional methods.
According to Bloomberg, Perceptio specialized in deep learning, an arm of machine learning that relies on pattern-based processing to analyze and categorize input. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
"Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans," said Apple spokesman Colin Johnson.
Along with Perceptio's technology, Apple acquihired cofounders and artificial intelligence researchers Nicolas Pinto and Zak Stone, who earned PhDs from Harvard and MIT, respectively. The duo was developing AI software capable of recognizing and classifying images without tapping into monolithic stores of data, unlike current image recognition engines that rely on cloud computing, offsite servers and the Internet. Stone currently holds a position at Apple's California offices, sources confirmed to AppleInsider.
Pinto and Stone's work in image processing required an initial dataset, or image stock, from which to work. The process of gathering workable data spawned an offshoot project in GIF mixing app Smoothie. Unlike Perceptio's core technology, however, Smoothie does not employ AI software, nor is it built on a machine learning backbone.
Today's news comes on the back of Apple's acquisition of UK-based VocalIQ, a firm specializing in natural language processing as it applies to automobiles. That buy is thought to be part of Apple's Siri virtual assistant initiative.
According to Bloomberg, Perceptio specialized in deep learning, an arm of machine learning that relies on pattern-based processing to analyze and categorize input. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
"Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans," said Apple spokesman Colin Johnson.
Along with Perceptio's technology, Apple acquihired cofounders and artificial intelligence researchers Nicolas Pinto and Zak Stone, who earned PhDs from Harvard and MIT, respectively. The duo was developing AI software capable of recognizing and classifying images without tapping into monolithic stores of data, unlike current image recognition engines that rely on cloud computing, offsite servers and the Internet. Stone currently holds a position at Apple's California offices, sources confirmed to AppleInsider.
Pinto and Stone's work in image processing required an initial dataset, or image stock, from which to work. The process of gathering workable data spawned an offshoot project in GIF mixing app Smoothie. Unlike Perceptio's core technology, however, Smoothie does not employ AI software, nor is it built on a machine learning backbone.
Today's news comes on the back of Apple's acquisition of UK-based VocalIQ, a firm specializing in natural language processing as it applies to automobiles. That buy is thought to be part of Apple's Siri virtual assistant initiative.
Comments
Would really like to see Apple step up both their hiring and company acquisitions relating to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Google seems to be pretty far ahead in both areas.
Google's had a few years head start. And credit to Apple, they have stepped up related acquisitions this year.
Google's had a few years head start. And credit to Apple, they have stepped acquisitions lately related to this year
Apple is doing what they usually do, which is to start with the end users and walk back to the technology they need to create that product. Steve Jobs said as much. They never start with the tech first.
3D touch on the phone was in development for 5 years and no one had a peep about it until last year.
I think that's tattooed in the eyelids of Apple's PR department.
I need to know before I approve of this acquisition!!!1
How is Google ahead.
Because they've hoarding PhD graduates/researchers in those areas for years... Apple has so much catching up to do that it's not even funny.
Because they've hoarding PhD graduates/researchers in those areas for years... Apple has so much catching up to do that it's not even funny.
You fracking make no sense. BTW, if getting more PHD's was all it took, we'd have cured cancer in the 1960s.
BTW, if getting more PHD's was all it took, we'd have cured cancer in the 1960s.
What's your point? Most of the diseases that we've found cure for have required PhD level researchers.
Unlike you, I actually work in AI/ML & it's pretty apparent the level of investment Google has made in the area over the years (well, since the founding of the company, given both Serge Brin and Larry Page (who came up w/ PageRank that powers the Google search engine) were both ML PhD students at Stanford)). Even if it isn't readily apparent in the consumer products (which isn't Google's primary focus anyway), ML research is Google's biggest IP (much like consumer product design is for Apple). Apple may buy its way into the area (as it has done w/ Siri and here), but it is still far behind. You only need to look at how well companies (like Google) that buy into product design have fared against Apple.