Apple didn’t say how it would use Q.ai’s technology, but said the startup is working on new applications of machine learning that will allow devices to understand whispered voices and enhance speech in difficult environments.
Last year, Q.ai filed a patent that uses “tiny movements of facial skin” to detect mouths and spoken words, identify people, and assess emotions, heart rate, breathing rate, and other metrics.
The companies said 100 Q.ai employees will join Apple, including CEO Aviad Maizels and co-founders Yonatan Wexler and Avi Barliya.
Maisels founded the three-dimensional sensing company PrimeSense, which he sold to Apple in 2013. The deal with PrimeSense ultimately helped Apple move away from the iPhone’s fingerprint sensor to facial recognition technology.
“Joining Apple opens up extraordinary possibilities to push boundaries and realize the full potential of what we create, and we’re excited to bring these experiences to people around the world,” Maisels said in a statement.
Apple has new AI features in its AirPods earbuds, and last year it introduced technology that can translate audio between languages.
Johnny Srouzi, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technology, said in a statement that Q.ai is “a remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning.” “We are excited to acquire this company with Aviad at the helm and are even more excited about what lies ahead.”
