What’s with the Proposed Apple AI Comeback with a Tabletop Robot?

6d ago•

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After remaining in the shadows about the ongoing smart-home ambitions, there’s news about an imminent Apple AI comeback with a full-scale smart home offensive.

According to a report from Bloomberg, the smartphone manufacturer has planned a wave of AI-infused hardware and software upgrades with a more lifelike version of Siri.

Tabletop Robot in the Agenda

The report indicated that at the center of the Apple AI comeback is a planned tabletop robot that could be launched as early as 2027. When the concept was mentioned earlier, the firm had stated it had two ideas in mind, reportedly a robot that could move around the home and another tabletop robot.

The new device that resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb could reposition itself to face the operator. The Bloomberg report stated that:

“The device would feature a lifelike version of Siri and the ability to engage with users throughout the day.”

Apple AI comeback

Smart Security Camera

Writing about the development as early as 2024, CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco stated that:

“Perhaps the biggest challenge when it comes to a home robot is that the market is unproven […] we’ve all seen the robot maid Rosie on the old Jetsons cartoon, but do we need or want a robotic helper in our homes?”

Described as a motorized, lamp-like device on a swivel that can dance and track users’ movements, the tabletop robot would be powered by Apple intelligence and the upgraded Siri. There will also be a smart security camera with AI-enhanced monitoring with facial recognition, smart alerts, and deep Siri integration. If the plan succeeds, the proposed Apple AI comeback would become the firm’s most ambitious hardware project after the original iPhone.

A Tabletop robot is in the agenda — A smart Tabletop robot is in the agenda

The Game Changer

Commenting on the developing story, Gary Marcus, an AI authority and professor emeritus of psychology and neural science at New York University, stated:

“Apple has long been great at integrating hardware and software, and at human interface too […] I don’t personally think that reliable humanoid domestic robots are at all close to hand. Still, if I ever buy a humanoid for the home, I hope it will come with Apple’s care for privacy, reliability, elegance, security, and thoughtful design.”

The game changer with the proposed Apple AI comeback is the development’s physical element that aims to make AI-powered tools more conversational. The form seeks to create an entirely new version of the device’s Siri by building it on a larger language model. This will enable the device to use personal data to recall information or interject into conversations with relevant suggestions.

Conclusion

At the heart of the proposed Apple AI comeback is an entirely comprehensive overhaul of Siri. The renowned voice assistant from Apple has always been criticized for lagging behind the competition. The latest version, codenamed “Linwood,” has been built from the ground up using advanced language models. This will fundamentally transform the device’s capabilities from a simple command-and-control interface to a genuine conversational assistant.

Summary

The new devices will be based on an overhauled Siri and will be more expressive, conversational, and context-aware.
A Siri-powered motorized tabletop robot will be able to track movements and have expressive animations.
There is a planned smart security camera with AI-enhanced monitoring, facial recognition, smart alerts, and deep Siri integration.

Glossary of Key Terms

AI: Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is the ability of computer systems to perform tasks like decision making, problem solving, and learning that typically require human intelligence.

Siri: (Speech Interpretation and Recognition Interface) is a digital assistant purchased, developed, and popularized by Apple Inc.

Smart-home: A convenient home setup where appliances and devices can be automatically controlled remotely from anywhere with an internet connection using a mobile or other networked device

Language model: A type of AI that’s trained to understand, generate, and manipulate human language.

Smart security camera: A surveillance camera with built-in features that allow for advanced functionalities beyond basic video recording.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smart home?

A smart home automates and connects your household appliances, giving you more control than ever before, typically attached using Wi-Fi.

What is the AI program for Apple?

Apple Inc.’s intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, work, and express yourself. It combines generative models with your context to deliver intelligence that is most useful and relevant to users.

How old is Siri?

Siri was first released as an app on Apple’s App Store in February 2010, but was soon acquired by Apple in October 2011. Apple then debuted the beta version of Siri with the iPhone 4S.