Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, is great, but let’s be honest, it isn’t the best. Apple knows there is still work to be done in this area and has recently acquired a leading machine-based learning UK company, VocalIQ.
VocalIQ had recently stated in their blog that their technology is far superior its competitors, including Apple’s own Siri.
“The reason for this state of affairs is that while Apple, Google and the some others have mastered how the use machine learning for speech-recognition, they are still stuck with medieval approach when it comes of conversational voice dialog. They are still using pre-programmed flow-chart based response that don’t learn.”
“The consumer demand for a self-learning multi-domain conversational voice system where consumers can freely talk about movies, restaurants, music, hotel bookings and the meaning of life, is huge and undeniable. The first one to meet that demand will rule the smartphone and wearables market for the next decade.”
VocalIQ has experience with machine-based learning to help build a more conversational virtual assistant, more so in vehicles, as they have partnered with General Motors in the past.
This would mean Apple’s own CarPlay would greatly improve with an improved Siri that will learn, understand and help keep your hands on the wheel and the driver well informed.
We may even see this acquisition as a trial run, improving Siri in CarPlay enabled vehicles before featuring in Apple’s own planned electronic (possibly automated) cars in a few years time.
[Source: 9to5Mac]
