Apple hires Google's A.I chief
San Francisco: In a key development, Apple has hired John Giannandrea, Google's Head of Search and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to lead the company's Machine Learning (ML) and AI strategy.
Giannandrea, who took the role of Senior Vice President of Engineering at Google from Amit Singhal in early 2016, will report directly to Cook.
"Our technology must be infused with the values we all hold dear... John shares our commitment to privacy and our thoughtful approach as we make computers even smarter and more personal," The New York Times quoted an email from Cook to his staff as saying.
Giannandrea joined Google in 2010 after the company acquired his startup Metaweb Technologies.
According to arstechnica.com, Apple needs strong talent to improve its AI and ML efforts which lag behind its competitors like Amazon and Google.
Apple has invested in Siri and HomeKit to compete with Google Home and Alexa-based smart home systems.
Apple last year added an AI chip called Neural Engine to the A11 Bionic for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X to work with the Image Signal Processor (ISP).
Apple has also posted several job openings for engineers at its different offices globally.
According to the data accumulated by Thinknum, the number of open positions that contain the term "Siri" has accelerated in recent weeks, with a current all-time high of 161 job listings.
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Belgaum: Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar bats for medal to PSI Annapurna for Hubballi encounter
Belgaum, April 15: Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar on Monday said that she would recommend Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Annapurna for a top state medal for her action in the recent Hubballi murder case, in which a minor girl was killed.
Speaking to media persons in Belgaum, Minister Hebbalkar said, “I appreciate PSI Annapurna’s work and will recommend to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara that she be honoured with the highest award.” She also personally congratulated the officer for her bravery.
The minister reiterated her long-standing demand for strict punishment in crimes involving violence against women. “Those accused in such cases should be hanged. Quick justice must be ensured for the victims,” she said, adding that PSI Annapurna’s action should serve as an example for other officers in the state.
When asked whether Annapurna would be eligible for the Rani Channamma Award, the minister clarified that the award is not given to government employees, but if such consideration arises, Annapurna’s name would top the list.
Criticism of BJP and Law and Order Remarks
Hebbalkar also defended the state’s law and order record, stating that the Karnataka government had handled the Hubballi incident effectively. She dismissed BJP’s criticism and said, “Instead of targeting us, the BJP should look at what’s happening in Manipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not even visited the violence-hit state.”
Government to Organize Ambedkar Program in Nippani
Responding to a question about the BJP’s plan to host a ‘Bhima Nisam’ event in Nippani to commemorate 100 years of Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s visit, the minister said that the Congress-led government would also organise a program in Nippani to mark the occasion. She added that the matter had already been discussed in the cabinet.
Clarification on Caste Census
When asked about the release of the caste census, Minister Hebbalkar said that the Congress government has never opposed it. “The earlier census counted Veerashaivas and Lingayats separately. It should be corrected and updated. The population of all communities, including Veerashaivas and Lingayats, has increased,” she said, clarifying that the figures appearing low is due to the split in categorisation.
