Apple says artificial intelligence and machine learning ‘critical area’ as it promotes AI chief

0
163

0

Eight months after Apple hired John Giannandrea, Google’s former search and artificial intelligence chief, the iPhone maker has named him head of all AI efforts in Cupertino. 

Giannandrea has been officially been appointed to Apple’s executive team as senior vice president of machine learning and artificial intelligence strategy. 

Until just before Apple hired Giannandrea this year, he served at Google as its chief of search and artificial intelligence. Giannandrea co-founded Metaweb, which Google acquired in 2010, and used the company’s open Freebase database of facts about things like movies, books, TV shows, and so on. Freebase became a key part of Google’s Knowledge Graph before it shut down in 2015. 

Today’s announcement formalizes Giannandrea’s role as head of Apple AI. Giannandrea’s LinkedIn profile states he has been Apple’s SVP of machine learning and AI strategy since April. He was also the former CTO of Netscape. 

“John hit the ground running at Apple and we are thrilled to have him as part of our executive team,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. 

SEE: Apple iOS 12: An insider’s guide (free PDF)

“Machine learning and AI are important to Apple’s future as they are fundamentally changing the way people interact with technology, and already helping our customers live better lives. We’re fortunate to have John, a leader in the AI industry, driving our efforts in this critical area.” 

Giannandrea is overseeing the development of Apple’s Siri assistant and its new Core ML machine learning framework, which offers macOS and iOS developers tools to add computer vision and natural language processing to their apps. 

His job entails “advancing and tightly integrating machine learning into Apple products is delivering more personal, intelligent and natural interactions for customers while protecting user privacy,” according to Apple. 

His team will also aim to make it easier for developers to integrate Core ML and Create ML machine learning within their apps. 

PREVIOUS AND RELATED COVERAGE

‘iPhone XR from $449*’: Apple ramps up iPhone sales push

Apple’s marketers start playing with the fine print and prices after new $100 extra trade-in promotion.

Slow iPhone sales? iPhone XR is our best-selling model, says Apple

Maybe $1,000 is too much? Apple says its cheaper iPhone XR has been the best-selling iPhone since its launch.

Apple to iPhone owners: Up to $100 more for your old phone if you buy XS, XR

No discounts on the iPhone XS, but Apple will give you more for an old iPhone.

Apple restarting iPhone X production, cutting XS price over slow sales?

Apple is said to be ready to offer subsidies to operators to discount the iPhone XR in Japan.

Apple iPhone XR review: Lower cost comes with camera, reception compromises

Apple switched up release strategies a bit in 2018 with the two high end $1,000+ models released initially, followed by one priced $250 to $350 less. The iPhone XR arrives in six color options and honestly it may be the best option for the masses.

Trump: iPhone buyers could ‘very easily’ stand paying 10% more with China tariff

Ahead of this week’s G20 meeting, Trump talks up tariffs on Chinese-made iPhones and MacBooks.

One month with the Apple iPhone XR: Long battery life, solid camera, and fun colors

After a month of use with the least expensive new iPhone, it is clear to me that it’s likely the best new iPhone for most people, including me. It has grown on me over the month and I’ve been buying accessories to support its use over the long term.

Demand for new iPhones weaker than Apple expected, claims report TechRepublic

It seems that Apple is having a hard time forecasting what the demand for new iPhones will be, and is being forced to slash production orders as a result.

Best wireless Bluetooth headphones for iPhone XS, XS Max and XR CNET

With all of Apple’s latest iPhones you can’t plug your standard wired headphones into the phone without using a Lightning adapter, which Apple includes along with a set of Lightning EarPods.

Related Topics:

Artificial Intelligence

iPhone

Hardware

Mobility

Smartphones

Tablets

0