Apple appears to be moving forward in the fight to create AI-powered wearables with a deal to acquire Israeli startup Q.AI.
Although exact figures have not been verified at this stage – Reuters suggested it was worth $1.6 billion financial Times The transaction is reported to value Q.AI at approximately $2 billion – the deal itself has been confirmed by both parties through statements issued to the press.
The deal was backed by venture capital firms Matter Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Spark Capital, Axor and GV, formerly Google Ventures, with the latter describing it as “Apple’s second largest acquisition in its history”. in a blog Post.
He just puts it behind the shopping Beats Music and Beats Electronics For $3 billion in 2014.
What Apple is getting for its money isn’t entirely clear. Q.AI’s website Beyond this broad statement provides few clues: “In a world full of noise we forge a new kind of peace.”
pitchbook explained The Tel Aviv firm is billed as a “developer of communication enhancement technology designed to revolutionize human interaction”, while the FT claimed a patent filed by Q.AI shows its technology “being used in headphones or glasses, using ‘facial skin micro-movements’ to communicate without talking.”
The company is also understood to be researching applications of machine learning to help devices understand whispered speech, enhancing audio in challenging environments.
This has led to speculation about what might be in store. Whatever is planned, it seems the deal is aimed at strengthening Apple’s wearables portfolio, where companies like Meta have stepped in with your smart glasses.
Investor GV explained: “Apple has always been a master of the ‘invisible interface’ – technology that feels like an extension of itself,” adding that Q.AI’s work has the potential to fundamentally change how we connect with each other.
Reflecting on the deal, Q.AI CEO Aviad Maizels said in a statement: “Joining Apple opens up extraordinary possibilities to push the boundaries and realize the full potential of what we’ve created, and we’re thrilled to bring these experiences to people everywhere.”
Johnny Sruzzi, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, described Q.AI as “a remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning.” He added: “We are thrilled to acquire the company under Aviad’s leadership, and even more excited for what is to come.”
Magels previously co-founded PrimeSense, which was acquired by Apple in 2013. PrimeSense’s sensing technology was used in the development of the iPhone’s Face ID biometric log-in system.
