Apple buys Perceptio, startup specializing in advanced smartphone AI

The buying spree for Apple continues. This time, Apple has bought Perceptio. The startup specializes in developing technology to let companies run artificial intelligence systems on smartphones. What differentiates them is it isn’t sharing as much user data in the cloud. This seems in line with Apple’s stance of user data protection. And since this collects less data, they can stand by that idea. Again, Apple won’t confirm details about the deal and just issued the standard: “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”

Source: Bloomberg

Apple’s latest acquisition could help you talk with Siri better

If you’ve been wanting to have a more natural, human-like conversation with Siri, that might be in the cards for you. Apple just bought VocalQ, a company that works on letting voice assistants comprehend natural dialog. The technology they developed allows the voice assistants to ask follow up questions if they misunderstand your command. This is already miles away from the current digital assistants, such as Google Now, Siri, and Cortana, which can’t even remember your last question and ask you to incessantly repeat a misheard command. Apple won’t say what they plan to use the technology for but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they leverage it for Siri. Or at least we hope they do.

Source: The Next Web

BlackBerry completes acquisition of AtHoc, secure crisis communications provider

The AtHoc software platform enables people, devices and organizations to exchange critical information in real time during business continuity and life safety operations.

BlackBerry has completed the acquisition of AtHoc, a leading provider of secure, networked crisis communications. AtHoc will operate as a division of BlackBerry. AtHoc’s Chief Executive Officer, Guy Miasnik, will lead the division as part of BlackBerry’s senior leadership team reporting to John Chen, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  

The AtHoc software platform enables people, devices and organizations to exchange critical information in real time during business continuity and life safety operations. The service offers a argeted, secure alert that will enable companies to distribute confidential data during an emergency situation, and give them the ability to audit the usage. The opportunities to assure a safer, more secure world are endless.

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Opera buys Bemobi, a Netflix-like smartphone app subscription service

You might know Opera more for its data-saving browser but the company wants to create a name for itself in the app industry as well. They just bought Bemobi, a mobile app discovery and subscription service. Much like Netflix, you pay a weekly fee on your phone bill to access as many “premium” apps as you like. It’s a move that’ll help Opera expand in Latin America but there are global plans for the service as well. It’ll still operate under its own name but its English-language marketing site goes by the name Apps Club.

Source: Opera | Via: Engadget