Microsoft and Google talk a lot about AI but haven't bought nearly as many startups as Apple

cross-posted from [email protected]

  • Apple has been the leading buyer of AI startups since 2017, acquiring 21 companies, nearly double the number purchased by Microsoft and Meta.
  • While other Big Tech companies like Google and Microsoft are vocal about their AI investments, Apple remains relatively quiet, choosing to announce things as they come to market.
  • The startups Apple has acquired focus on areas like self-driving technology, voice design, music generation, and image recognition.
  • This acquisition strategy contrasts with companies like Microsoft and Google, who are more cautious with acquisitions due to antitrust scrutiny and instead opt for partnerships with startups.
  • Apple’s AI investments have contributed to new iPhone features such as personal voice and real-time voicemail transcription.
    • B0rax@feddit.deEnglish
      3·
      1 year ago

      Every device they sell includes a dedicated neural coprocessor to power these things, not something you see widespread on other devices

      • Skull giver@popplesburger.hilciferous.nl
        5·
        1 year ago

        A neural processor is an f32 bit capable matrix multiplication accelerator. That’s basically a GPU to compensate for their laptops’ and desktops’ lack of compute. On mobile most competitors don’t really bother because there’s not a huge need for this coprocessor.