Apple has acquired Israeli AI startup Q.ai in a deal reportedly valued at close to $2 billion, marking Apple's second-largest acquisition ever — behind only the $3 billion purchase of Beats Electronics in 2014. Q.ai specialises in advanced AI and machine learning applications for audio processing. The startup focuses on innovative ways to enhance sound using imaging and facial analysis.
Q.ai was founded by Aviad Maizels, who previously founded PrimeSense, the 3D-sensing company Apple acquired in 2013 to help develop Face ID technology. If the past is any indication of the future, we can expect integration of Q.ai's technology in Apple devices.
Apple's Q.ai Buy: Implications For iPhones, AirPods, Vision Pro, Future Smart Glasses
Q.ai's domain includes analysing subtle “facial skin micromovements” — tiny muscle movements around the mouth and face — to detect and interpret speech. Last year, the company reportedly filed a patent for a technology that uses these micromovements to recognise words that are mouthed (silent speech) or softly spoken, identify a person, assess emotions, and even estimate physiological signals like heart rate and respiration.
Here is what such technology could mean for future Apple products, particularly for the iPhone and potential new wearables.
Silent Speech In AirPods, ‘AI Pin,' Or Smart Glasses: Devices like AirPods and Apple's rumoured smart glasses and AI pin-style wearables could interpret commands to Siri by reading lip and facial movements alone. This would enable privacy-focused command in public spaces, meetings, or quiet environments and interaction with iPhones hands- and voice-free.
Noise Cancellation And Audio Clarity In iPhones And AirPods: By combining audio with facial movements, the technology could better distinguish human speech from background noise. This can improve call quality on iPhones, enhanced audio in AirPods, and easy commands to Siri in noisy environments.
Future Wearables: Vision Pro/Smart Glasses
Q.ai's technology is ideal for wearables. Apple could use the technology in future smart glasses to read facial muscles to understand user intent without requiring constant voice input. The company could also integrate the tech into future Vision Pro iterations, making interaction with the headset seamless.
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