Rumors of Acquisition Confirm Apple’s Growing Interest in AI and ML
Word has been circulating around the tech community that Apple has acquired Turi, a company known for its machine learning platform designed specifically for developers and data scientists. After reaching out to Apple for confirmation, we received the standard response from the company when they’re not ready to share much about their plans: "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."
However, according to Geekwire, the financial terms of the deal are estimated to be around $200 million. This is not the first acquisition made by Apple in the AI/machine learning space, as they acquired Perceptio, a company specializing in machine learning and image recognition, back in September 2015.
Turi: A Machine Learning Platform for Developers and Data Scientists
Turi’s platform provides developers with tools to build, train, and deploy machine learning models. The company has been gaining traction in the industry due to its innovative approach to making AI and ML accessible to a broader audience. In addition to its machine learning products, Turi also runs the Data Science Summit, a two-day conference focused on data science.
Turi’s journey began under the name ‘Dato’ (and before that, ‘GraphLab’), but the company changed its name in July of this year after a trademark dispute. The first indication that an acquisition had occurred was when Turi began reaching out to its customers to let them know their products would no longer be available at the end of July.
The Acquisition: What it Means for Apple and the Industry
The acquisition is a significant move by Apple in the AI/machine learning space, and it’s likely that the company plans to integrate Turi’s technology into their existing products and services. The fact that Turi’s team will remain in Seattle, rather than moving down to Apple’s Cupertino HQ, suggests that the company values the expertise and talent of its employees.
This acquisition is a testament to Apple’s growing interest in AI and ML, which has been evident through their recent hiring spree in the field. With this deal, Apple gains access to Turi’s innovative technology and the talented team behind it, further solidifying their position as a leader in the tech industry.
Turi’s Products and Services: What Developers Can Expect
Turi’s platform provides developers with a range of tools and services to build, train, and deploy machine learning models. Some of the key features include:
- Machine Learning Platform: Turi’s platform allows developers to build, train, and deploy machine learning models without requiring extensive expertise in AI and ML.
- Data Science Summit: The Data Science Summit is a two-day conference focused on data science, providing attendees with hands-on training and workshops on the latest technologies in AI and ML.
- Community Support: Turi has built a strong community of developers and data scientists who can provide support and share knowledge on using their platform.
The Impact on the Industry
The acquisition is likely to have significant implications for the industry, as Apple’s integration of Turi’s technology could lead to:
- Increased Adoption of AI/ML: With Turi’s technology integrated into Apple’s products and services, we can expect to see increased adoption of AI and ML in various industries.
- Advancements in Machine Learning: The acquisition provides Apple with access to innovative technologies and expertise, which will likely lead to advancements in machine learning and its applications.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Turi by Apple is a significant move in the tech industry, highlighting the company’s growing interest in AI and ML. With this deal, Apple gains access to innovative technology and talented employees, further solidifying their position as leaders in the field. As we wait for more information on how Apple plans to integrate Turi’s technology into their products and services, one thing is clear: this acquisition will have a significant impact on the industry.
Related News
- Apple Acquires Perceptio: In September 2015, Apple acquired Perceptio, a company specializing in machine learning and image recognition.
- Turi’s Data Science Summit: The Data Science Summit is a two-day conference focused on data science, providing attendees with hands-on training and workshops on the latest technologies in AI and ML.
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