Apple cancels Xnor.ai’s Pentagon contract for military drone work after acquisition
This is definitely a step in the right direction, one consistent with Apple’s values when it comes to device security and privacy being a fundamental human right.
Artificial intelligence
Photoshop for iPad adds automated one-tap subject selection
Photoshop maker Adobe today announced that a smart subject selection feature powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning is now available in Photoshop for iPad, the app’s second major feature addition since its launch at the Adobe MAX conference in November.
Apple stops Siri grading program globally, future iOS update to provide opt-in/out controls
An upcoming iOS software update will give users controls to choose whether they would like to participate in the grading process or not, according to the company.
Unpopular opinion: Apple contractors listen to some Siri audio to improve the service. What else is new?
The Internet went wild following The Guardian’s story that Apple contractors “regularly hear confidential details” while reviewing Siri audio snippets. iDB clears up the confusion.
Robotics startup Anki is shutting down
Anki, the San Francisco-based robotics and artificial intelligence startup, has announced that it will be closing its doors. Despite being featured on-stage at Apple events and raising more than $200 million in funding, the company says it has run out of money and options, forcing the company to shut down.
Facebook building voice assistant to compete with Alexa and Siri
Facebook is working on a voice assistant to compete with Alexa and Siri, according to a new report from CNBC. Citing sources familiar with the project, the outlet says a special devision within the social media giant has been working on the initiative for more than a year.
Google’s AI expert Ian Goodfellow joins Apple as a director of machine learning
If Apple continues to poach Google’s best experts like this guy, who was one of the search giant’s top minds in artificial intelligence, maybe it stands a chance of fixing Siri after all.
Apple acquires machine learning startup Laserlike
Apple has acquired Laserlike, a small machine learning startup based in Silicon Valley. The Information reports that the buyout happened late last year, and the team has joined Apple’s new artificial intelligence group.
Google’s creepy human-sounding AI that can book a reservation for you is coming to iPhone
Google’s eerie human-sounding AI helper that can make an actual phone call and make a restaurant reservation for you is coming to iPhone.
Apple buys patents from defunct home security camera maker Lighthouse AI
Apple has acquired a batch of US patents from a failed home security camera startup, Lighthouse AI, including patents related to depth-sensing technologies.
Apple names John Giannandrea to its executive team as SVP of ML and AI Strategy
The promotion highlights the growing importance of machine learning and artificial intelligence at the Cupertino firm.
Apple snaps up Silk Labs which makes lightweight AI for smart cameras and speakers
Apple has acquired a privacy-minded startup Silk Labs that was founded by Mozilla’s former Chief Technology Officer Andreas Gal.
