Apple appears to be sparing no expense in their endeavor to improve the functionality of voice assistant Siri. Bloomberg reported that their most recent acquisition is that of Perceptio, an artificial intelligence image recognition development. Perceptio is a start-up headed by two brilliant developers from Harvard and MIT, focused on pattern-based, intelligent image recognition. Their technology assists in the recognition of images, without the need for the data to be stored on the cloud. This image processing software is the work of Nicolas Pinto and Zak Stone, PHD, and this technology standard will most likely benefit greatly from the funding, support and data available in the form of Apple.
Deep Learning A.I.
Current image recognition software is dependent upon large amounts of data, stored on cloud storage or other online locations. Perceptio needs nothing of the sort, it is capable of intelligent image recognition on-the-fly. Perceptio uses “deep learning” technology, a branch of artificial intelligent, to allow for image recognition without needing large fixed data-sets. Deep learning is a trending facet if artificial intelligence, being worked on across the globe. This form of artificial intelligence allows for accurate models to be created, using previous examples. Complex arrangements of patterns can be formed, allowing the technology to rapidly learn from data presented.
Rapid Growth of Image & Voice Recognition
The Apple acquisition of Perceptio comes but four days after Apple’s acquisition of VocalIQ. Apple now has two highly-advanced artificial intelligence startups at their disposal, the attention of which will most likely be placed on Siri. Smart computing is in desperate need of an intelligent virtual assistant, especially with Apple’s electric smart car on the horizon in 2019. Apple, forever elusive, refused to provide commentary, simply stating that they do not share their future plans and details of acquisitions with the public. The combination of voice and video-based artificial intelligence is sure to give Apple a much needed boost to their currently limited virtual assistant.
