Apple Inc. has made a significant move in the field of machine learning with its acquisition of Inductiv Inc., a startup specializing in this cutting-edge technology. The deal was confirmed by Apple to Bloomberg News, with the tech giant stating that it often acquires smaller companies but does not typically disclose its plans or intentions.
The engineering team at Inductiv, based in Ontario’s Waterloo, has recently joined Apple to contribute their expertise in Siri, machine learning, and data science. Inductiv has developed a unique technology that utilizes artificial intelligence to automate error identification and correction in data. This capability is crucial for machine learning, an increasingly influential branch of artificial intelligence that enables software to improve autonomously with minimal human intervention.
John Giannandrea, the executive overseeing Siri and machine learning at Apple, has been actively enhancing the underlying technology behind Siri and other AI-powered devices in the company’s portfolio. By acquiring Inductiv, Apple gains access to a team of talented individuals who will accelerate the development and advancement of Siri.
Notably, Inductiv was co-founded by esteemed machine-learning professors from Stanford University, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. One of the Stanford professors, Christopher Ré, had previously co-founded Lattice Data, another AI company that was acquired by Apple in 2017. While it remains unclear whether Ré or the other Inductiv co-founders have joined Apple following this acquisition, their collective expertise undoubtedly adds significant value to Apple’s machine learning initiatives.
With the acquisition of Inductiv, the future of Siri appears even more promising, as recent months have already showcased noticeable improvements. Apple’s investment in this machine-learning startup signals a clear commitment to enhancing the digital assistant and leveraging AI to provide users with an exceptional experience.
In conclusion, Apple’s acquisition of Inductiv Inc. reinforces its dedication to remaining at the forefront of machine learning and AI. With the addition of Inductiv’s talented team, Siri is poised to receive a significant boost, further solidifying its place as a leading digital assistant in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
