Apple acquires virtual assistant company

Apple acquires a British start-up mainly engaged in the development of virtual assistants using speech technology. It did not disclose what Apple wants to achieve with the acquisition, but it is likely that the technology will be used for Siri.

There had been rumors of a takeover before, but Apple subsequently announced the deal to The Financial Times. It concerns the company VocalIQ, a British start-up with aspirations to create a virtual assistant using speech recognition technology and machine learning. Incidentally, VocalIQ was mainly interested in creating a virtual assistant for use in the car. It is not known whether Apple also wants to go this way with the software.

The acquisition amount and the plans Apple has after the acquisition are not known. However, Apple already has a virtual assistant with Siri, so it is likely that VocalIQ software will be used for this. Apple may want to make its own voice and information service more suitable for use in the car. Rumor has it that the Cupertino-based company is even working on an electric car, which it plans to launch in 2019.