Apple has acquired UK-based voice technology startup VocalIQ, according to a report from the Financial Times. A spokesman for the Cupertino company has confirmed the buyout with the usual boilerplate statement of “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”
VocalIQ’s mentions on its website that their software analyses previous conversations to further improve voice recognition and better understand future requests. The startup says that its “self-learning” technology allows “real conversation between human and the internet of things.”
Perhaps even more interesting is that VocalIQ has in the past partnered with General Motors and other manufacturers to implement its voice technology into vehicles. Apple of course currently offers a connected auto platform known as CarPlay, which is largely based on voice input, and rumor has it that it’s working on an electric car.
“Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”Apple has made Siri smarter and more useful in iOS 9, but it still lags behind Google Now, its chief competitor. However, VocalIQ’s acquisition might just give Apple the edge it need to surpass Google’s offering.
VocalIQ’s mentions on its website that their software analyses previous conversations to further improve voice recognition and better understand future requests. The startup says that its “self-learning” technology allows “real conversation between human and the internet of things.”
Perhaps even more interesting is that VocalIQ has in the past partnered with General Motors and other manufacturers to implement its voice technology into vehicles. Apple of course currently offers a connected auto platform known as CarPlay, which is largely based on voice input, and rumor has it that it’s working on an electric car.
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