Apple is reportedly working on a bunch of new AI-powered products and features, one of which may be a WALL-E-like robot with arms.
According to a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Cupertino-based tech giant is working on a tabletop robot that doubles up as a virtual companion. Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication says that this robot will be the centrepiece of Apple’s AI strategy. This robot is said to launch sometime in 2027.
The tabletop robot is said to resemble an iPad mounted on a movable limb that swivels and can reposition itself to follow people in a room. It is also said to support FaceTime calls. However, the standout feature will be the new version of Siri, which is said to “inject itself into conversations between multiple people” and even recall information.
Gurman says that Apple is gearing up to give Siri an animated version of the Finder logo. However, the tech giant hasn’t reached a final decision on its appearance. Apart from the robot, Apple is also reportedly working on a smart speaker with a display, which may or may not be a future version of HomePod.
Another area where the tech giant may venture into is security cameras that will automate certain household functions. Codenamed J450, the security cameras will support facial recognition, have infrared sensors and may be able to automate actions like switching the lights or playing music based on who is in the room.
Apple’s upcoming products are also expected to feature a more conversational AI version of Siri, which may be able to understand and do tasks using commands in natural language. To do so, the report suggests that Apple’s upcoming smart devices will be powered by “an entirely new brain built around large language models” with the aim of tapping into a user’s personal data.
Internally labelled LLM Siri, Apple’s large language model, is expected to launch sometime in spring next year. The AI-powered Siri will use an in-house developed technology called Linwood, as well as outside technology dubbed Glenwood. While Apple is yet to take the final call, it looks like the tech giant is testing Anthropic’s Claude right now.
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