Apple has acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for an undisclosed amount. The deal valued Q.ai at $1.6 billion. Q.ai specializes in AI technology for audio applications, including machine learning to understand whispered speech. The startup also filed a patent for using facial skin micromovements to detect words and assess emotions.

Q.ai’s 100 employees, including CEO Aviad Maizels, will join Apple. Maizels previously founded PrimeSense, which Apple acquired in 2013. Apple has been integrating AI features into its AirPods, such as language translation. Senior VP Johny Srouji praised Q.ai for pioneering imaging and machine learning applications.

Apple did not disclose specific plans for Q.ai’s technology but expressed excitement for future innovations. Maizels is optimistic about the potential for pushing boundaries and bringing new experiences to users worldwide. The acquisition signals Apple’s commitment to advancing AI capabilities in its products like AirPods.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Apple acquires Israeli audio AI startup Q.ai