Thursday, 3 April 2025
26.1 C
Singapore
29.2 C
Thailand
27 C
Indonesia
27.3 C
Philippines

Apple enhances its AI capabilities with the acquisition of a French firm

Apple acquires French startup Datakalab, enhancing its facial recognition technology and focusing on user privacy.

In a significant move to strengthen its artificial intelligence offerings, Apple Inc. has successfully acquired Datakalab, a French startup celebrated for its advanced facial recognition algorithms. The transaction occurred in December and, although it wasn’t immediately announced by either party, was later revealed through a European Commission filing discovered by French media outlet Challenges.

Apple’s focus on artificial intelligence

The acquisition clearly aligns with Apple’s broader ambitions to weave more AI technology into its suite of products. A Statista report from last year highlighted Apple’s aggressive approach in this area, noting that the company secured a total of 32 AI startups in the preceding months. Founded in 2016, Datakalab has carved a niche for itself with its sophisticated deep-learning algorithms that stand out for their efficiency and minimal power usage. Importantly, these algorithms are designed to function without reliance on cloud-based systems, providing a boost in privacy and securityโ€”a key selling point for Apple.

Apple’s decision to purchase Datakalab further emphasises its commitment to improving AI capabilities within its devices while maintaining a strong focus on user privacy. Datakalabโ€™s technology is tailored to run AI processes directly on devices, ensuring that personal data remains secure and does not get transmitted to the cloud. This method fits perfectly with Apple’s strategy to manage sensitive data, including facial recognition details, in a secure and localised manner.

Previous collaborations and innovative strides

Before its acquisition, Datakalab had engaged in several high-profile collaborations, including projects with the French government and entertainment giant Disney. A notable achievement of Datakalab was the development of technology used in cinemas to analyse audience reactions in real time during film screenings. This not only demonstrates Datakalabโ€™s technological prowess but also underscores the versatile applications of its AI algorithms, extending well beyond standard usage.

In essence, Apple’s acquisition of Datakalab marks a significant step in its quest to enhance its AI capabilities, particularly in the realm of facial recognition. This initiative is in line with Appleโ€™s ongoing efforts to develop more powerful and privacy-conscious AI technologies for its devices.

Hot this week

Apple may launch an AI-powered Health app with a coaching feature next year

Apple may introduce an AI-powered Health app with coaching, food tracking, and fitness guidance in 2026, possibly as a new subscription service.

Perplexity CEO dismisses financial concerns, confirms no IPO before 2028

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas denies financial troubles, confirms the company has no plans for an IPO before 2028, and explains product changes.

Apple prepares for M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro release

Apple is set to launch the M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro in late 2024, with the M6 models expected to introduce an in-house modem in 2027.

Qualcomm expands AI research with MovianAI acquisition

Qualcomm has acquired Vietnamese AI research firm MovianAI to boost its AI development in smartphones, PCs, and software-defined vehicles.

Global tech leaders to explore the future of enterprise at ATxEnterprise 2025

ATxEnterprise 2025 in Singapore will bring together global leaders to explore AI, cybersecurity, and the future of enterprise technology.

Qualcomm expands AI research with MovianAI acquisition

Qualcomm has acquired Vietnamese AI research firm MovianAI to boost its AI development in smartphones, PCs, and software-defined vehicles.

Roblox introduces new parental controls to enhance child safety

Roblox introduces new parental controls, allowing parents to block games, restrict friends, and monitor their childโ€™s activity for better safety.

Anthropic introduces Claude for Education, a new AI chatbot plan for universities

Anthropic launches Claude for Education, an AI chatbot plan for universities that offers advanced learning tools and administration support.

Exabeam introduces Nova, an agentic AI that boosts cybersecurity operations

Exabeam unveils Nova, a proactive AI agent that boosts security team productivity and reduces incident investigation time by over 50%.

Related Articles