Apple Acquires Datakalab, a French Startup Behind AI and Computer Vision Tech

According to French business magazine Challenges, Apple has acquired Datakalab -- a Paris-based startup specializing in artificial intelligence compression and computer vision technology. 9to5Mac reports: Datakalab described itself as 'experts in low power, runtime efficient, and deep learning algorithms' that work on device. On its LinkedIn page, Datakalab highlights 'industry leading compression and adaptation to deploy embedded computer vision that is fast, cost-effective and precise.' Prior to the Apple acquisition had between 10 and 20 employees.

From Datakalab's now-defunct website: 'Datakalab is a French technology company that develops computer image analysis algorithms to measure flows in public space. The images are instantly transformed into anonymized statistical data processed locally in 100ms. Datakalab does not store any images or personal data and only keeps statistical data. Datakalab products are built according to the principle of 'Privacy by Design.''

While neither Apple nor DatakaLab have acknowledged the acquisition, Challenges says that the deal was reported to the European Commission this month. The report says that Datakalab's two founders did not join Apple, but multiple other employees did make the jump. Datakalab also held multiple patents related to AI compression and vision technology. The acquisition makes perfect sense given Apple's rumored ambitions to run its upcoming AI-related features in iOS 18 'entirely on device.'

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