In a significant move to strengthen its artificial intelligence offerings, Apple Inc. has successfully acquired Datakalab, a French startup celebrated for its advanced facial recognition algorithms. The transaction occurred in December and, although it wasn’t immediately announced by either party, was later revealed through a European Commission filing discovered by French media outlet Challenges.
Apple’s focus on artificial intelligence
The acquisition clearly aligns with Apple’s broader ambitions to weave more AI technology into its suite of products. A Statista report from last year highlighted Apple’s aggressive approach in this area, noting that the company secured a total of 32 AI startups in the preceding months. Founded in 2016, Datakalab has carved a niche for itself with its sophisticated deep-learning algorithms that stand out for their efficiency and minimal power usage. Importantly, these algorithms are designed to function without reliance on cloud-based systems, providing a boost in privacy and security—a key selling point for Apple.
Apple’s decision to purchase Datakalab further emphasises its commitment to improving AI capabilities within its devices while maintaining a strong focus on user privacy. Datakalab’s technology is tailored to run AI processes directly on devices, ensuring that personal data remains secure and does not get transmitted to the cloud. This method fits perfectly with Apple’s strategy to manage sensitive data, including facial recognition details, in a secure and localised manner.
Previous collaborations and innovative strides
Before its acquisition, Datakalab had engaged in several high-profile collaborations, including projects with the French government and entertainment giant Disney. A notable achievement of Datakalab was the development of technology used in cinemas to analyse audience reactions in real time during film screenings. This not only demonstrates Datakalab’s technological prowess but also underscores the versatile applications of its AI algorithms, extending well beyond standard usage.
In essence, Apple’s acquisition of Datakalab marks a significant step in its quest to enhance its AI capabilities, particularly in the realm of facial recognition. This initiative is in line with Apple’s ongoing efforts to develop more powerful and privacy-conscious AI technologies for its devices.
