French business magazine Challenges reports that Apple acquired the Paris-based AI startup Datakalab in December. Datakalab specializes in developing “fast” and “cost-effective” computer vision, according to its LinkedIn page.
Last month, a report from Bloomberg revealed Apple acquired the Canadian AI firm DarwinAI, aligning with the company’s goals of bringing AI to the iPhone.
While US lawmakers take aim at TikTok, The Wall Street Journal reports that several popular messaging apps were removed by Apple at the request of the Chinese government which will make it harder for people in the country to download the apps for use with a VPN. Reuters notes that Meta apps like Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram are still available.
Here’s Apple’s statement on the matter:
“The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns. We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree.”
[The Wall Street Journal]
Katie Notopoulos’ take on the Humane AI pin’s screen-free proposition is a delightful read that’s slightly tongue-in-cheek (she’s the former Editor in Chief of Threads, after all) and completely relatable. I, for one, am thrilled that she’s on team Screens are Good.
Majin Bu, who had early pictures purported to be of the iPhone 15’s USB-C port and, more recently, apparent images of vertical camera modules for the iPhone 16, posted these mock-ups that may show the next models’ updated design.
Rumors that Apple would switch to a vertical layout for the cameras go back at least a year.
That doesn’t mean users can download just any app from the web, as Apple has created a strict set of guidelines developers must meet to take advantage of the update. Apple also started letting users in the EU use alternative app stores last month.
According to IDC, iPhone sales fell by nearly 10 percent globally compared to the same Q1 last year as Chinese companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, and budget maker Transsion surged.
While Samsung won the quarter (after Apple took the lead for all of 2023), it’s still down slightly YoY and not keeping up with the 7.8 percent increase in smartphone demand.
