Apple has reportedly acquired Datakalab, a Paris, France-based startup specializing in artificial intelligence compression and computer vision technology.According to a French business magazine assignmentthe acquisition was completed in December.
Datakalab describes itself as “an expert in low-power, runtime-efficient deep learning algorithms” that run on devices.
On its LinkedIn page, Datakalab highlights “industry-leading compression and adaptation to deploy fast, cost-effective, and accurate embedded computer vision.” Before the Apple acquisition, we had 10 to 20 employees.
From Datakalab's now defunct website:
Datakalab is a French technology company that develops computer image analysis algorithms to measure flows in public spaces. Images are instantly converted into anonymized statistical data that is processed locally within 100 milliseconds.
Datakalab does not store any images or personal data, only statistical data. Datakalab products are built according to the principles of “privacy by design.”
Datakalab partnered with the French government in May 2020 to deploy an AI tool to the Paris transit system that checks whether people are wearing masks. The company has also worked with Disney and other partners in the past.
Neither Apple nor DatakaLab have confirmed the acquisition, but assignment It said the agreement was reported to the European Commission this month. The two founders of Datakalab did not join Apple, but several other employees did, according to the report. Datakalab also holds multiple patents related to AI compression and vision technology.
The acquisition comes as Apple is expected to introduce a suite of AI features to iOS 18 later this year. Datakalab has also developed advanced vision-based technology that could play a role in Apple's Vision Pro ambitions in the future. The company's advanced facial recognition technology could also contribute to things like photos and Face ID.
(via iPhone software)
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