Apple's Quiet Acquisition of AI Startup Datakalab

Datakalab and Entertainment Companies

• In 2019, Datakalab worked with entertainment companies to measure the attention-span and emotional reaction of cinemagoers using cameras placed on either side of the movie screen.
• The data collected was used by directors and editors to optimize trailers to best engage an audience.

Apple's Plans for AI

• Apple released the M3 MacBook Air, calling it the "world's best consumer laptop for AI," marking the first time the company directly tied one of its products to AI technology.
• Apple is expected to incorporate AI features into apps and services with the upcoming release of iOS 18 and macOS 15.
• Experts predict the company will bake AI features into apps and services.

Apple's History and Approach to AI

• Apple has a history of not being first to market, preferring to let other companies shoulder the early trial and error before entering with its own take on a technology.
• The company is widely expected to incorporate an AI chatbot into its Siri digital assistant, among other potential uses.

Apple's AI Chatbot and Device-Based AI

• Apple is reportedly interested in having its AI chatbot live on the device, rather than the cloud, to speed up answers and guard user privacy.
• Apple researchers have seemingly found a way to run large language models on a user's device, as revealed in a December 2023 paper.

Datakalab's Research and Potential Impact on Apple

• Datakalab specializes in data compression and image analysis.
• The company's research might not show up in Apple products for some time, but the acquisition could signal Apple's interest in integrating AI capabilities into its products.

Apple's Acquisition of Datakalab

• Apple quietly acquired Paris-based AI startup Datakalab in December 2023.
• The deal reportedly closed on December 17, 2023, but has not been previously reported.
• Datakalab has between 11 and 50 employees and was founded in 2016.