Apple’s latest Worldwide Developers Conference saw the company’s artificial intelligence features take a back seat. While new functionalities were announced for the Apple Watch and Vision Pro, alongside enhanced software designs known as Liquid Glass, and new phone and camera applications, Apple’s AI-related announcements were limited to minor upgrades amidst pressure to keep pace with competitors heavily invested in AI.
One anticipated feature is Live Translation, offering real-time language translation across messaging, FaceTime, and phone apps, incorporating multiple capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence. It’s noteworthy that similar features have been available on the Android platform for some time. Additionally, a new Fitness app has been introduced, utilizing AI-generated voices to assist users during workouts.
Consumers may soon experience enhancements in AI for applications beyond mobile. The company revealed that it enables app developers to utilize Apple’s large-scale, on-device language model, enhancing AI experiences in third-party applications. Users will have the choice to opt in or out of sharing their data or information off-device with developers.
At last year’s WWDC, Apple announced a suite of upgrades for Siri, aiming to make the virtual assistant more engaging and dynamic. However, many of these features remain unreleased despite Apple’s assurances.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s VP of Software Engineering, previously mentioned that “this task required more time to reach a quality standard,” referring to the delay.
Forrester VP principal analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee noted that Siri’s muted presence was “deafening.”
Chatterjee stated, “This subject was quickly brushed aside, leaving next year shrouded in uncertainty. While Apple continues to refine the features of Apple Intelligence, superficial updates like text corrections and whimsical emojis cannot satisfy the demand for an intuitive, interactive AI experience. The timeline for Siri’s evolution is rapidly approaching, and Apple needs significant advancements.”
Additionally, Apple has formed a partnership with ChatGPT, a strategic move to help the iPhone maker compete with AI giants such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google. Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, suggested that Apple may need to forge more partnerships to stay competitive.
Ives concluded, “Overall, WWDC articulated the developers’ vision, but following last year’s setbacks, there was no remarkable progress in Apple Intelligence as Cupertino remains cautious.”
After the newsletter promotion
“We understand the strategy, but this is a significant year for Apple to capitalize on the AI front, possibly compelling us to pursue larger AI acquisitions to advance this strategy.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
