Apple has assembled a team of artificial intelligence (AI) experts from Google in a secret European laboratory in Zurich, according to the Financial Times. The lab, also called 'Vision Lab', reportedly appears to focus on building advanced AI models and products, with a specific interest in text- and visual-based AI systems similar to those behind OpenAI's popular chatbot, ChatGPT.
The publication reveals that Apple has hired 36 specialists from Google since 2018, following the hiring of John Giannandrea, Google's former head of AI, as Apple's top AI manager. Additionally, the Zurich lab has attracted notable AI experts, including ex-Google employees like Bengio and Ruoming Pang, the report said.
Apple's main AI development centers are in California and Seattle, but the Zurich lab reportedly represents the company's increased commitment to AI.
According to the report, the company has also acquired AI startups FaceShift (virtual reality) and Fashwall (image recognition), which is likely to fuel its interest in setting up the new lab in Switzerland.
Although other tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and Samsung have made significant strides in AI, Apple's entry into this field has been slower. According to Ruslan Salakhutdinov of Carnegie Mellon University, who has connections to Apple through his startup Perpetual Machines, Apple's slowdown can be attributed to a cautious approach to AI development. He noted that the company is reluctant to release AI systems without having full control over them.
Apple's AI ambitions are expected to materialize in the upcoming iOS 18 update, introducing generative AI features across several applications including Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Keynote, Numbers and Pages. These features will likely be enabled by on-device large language models (LLMs).
While the exact details of Apple's Vision Lab in Zurich remain under wraps, the company's hiring of top talent and acquisitions in the AI space indicate a strong push toward advanced AI technology. Apple's rigorous approach to AI development could pave the way for new innovations in the coming years.
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Published: Apr 30, 2024 8:55 PM IST