Apple Inc has made an official announcement last week that it is going to acquire AI startup ‘Pullstring’ for an undisclosed amount. Pullstring happens to be a California based firm which invented “Hello Barbie” and is basically into the development of interactive applications that enable computer conversation with smart characters.
“As the company designs and publishes voice apps powered by AI, the technology can be used to improve the voice capabilities of Siri- the personal voice assistant on Apple devices”, said a spokesperson from Apple.
Founded in the year 2011 by a group of former executives from Pixar, the developed software was initially used to power interactive voice apps for toys. At that time the company was called as ToyTalk and since 2016 is being recognized in the industry with the name ‘Pullstring’ offering engaging voice applications to IoT devices.
Note- Pullstring’s cloud software is currently being used by noted companies such as Mattel, Samsung, Activision, and Sony. It is financially being backed by firms such as Greylock Partners, Charles River Ventures, Khosla Ventures, True Ventures, and First Round Capital.
The company has a reputation of offering solutions for designing, prototyping, and publishing highly engaging voice apps for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and now Siri.
Nickelodeon Sponge Bob, Amazon Studios Bosch & The Grand Tour, Activision’s Destiny 2 Ghost, FreemantleMedia’s Match Game, HomeAdvisor, iHeart Santa and HBO’s Westworld are some of the innovations driven by Pullstring’s AI-powered voice-based software.
