For those that aren’t in the know, deep learning is an artificial intelligence system where computers are capable of identifying and classifying sensory input.
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Bloomberg reports that it has received Apple’s usual canned response in such situations: “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our objective or plans”.
Apple has confirmed that it has purchased a specialist artificial intelligence company named Perceptio. Terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed. Perceptio, which is based in California, develops techniques to enable smartphones incorporate advanced AI systems without requiring large user data from cloud storage.
Both have been working on the image-recognition systems using deep learning according toBloomberg.
Running these features locally could help Apple minimize the need for storing and transferring data to servers across the globe, increasing privacy and security for customers in the process. It’s been speculated that Apple might want to use Perceptio’s expertise to improve Siri.
Apple has been relatively quiet on the acquisition front this year, with only nine purchases, including its two artificial intelligence acquisitions.
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The news comes just a day after we reported that the firm has scooped up Cambridge-based speech intelligence startup VocalIQ. The company also bought Vocal IQ, which specializes in natural language technology that can be used to make Siri more human-like. The vendor has posted at least 86 jobs looking for machine learning experts, in particular attempting to gain interest from candidates in academia.
