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Apple Acquires French AI Company Specializing in On-Device Processing

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Apple has acquired the Paris-based artificial intelligence startup Datakalab amid its push to deliver on-device AI tools.

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Datakalab specializes in algorithm compression and embedded AI systems. The acquisition, finalized on December 17 last year, was quietly conducted but noted in a European Commission filing spotted by French publication Challenges (via iPhoneSoft). While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the move is almost certainly part of Apple’s broader strategy to bring more sophisticated AI technology to its devices, such as those expected to be introduced in iOS 18.

The company was established in 2016 by Xavier and Lucas Fischer and made significant strides in AI technology focusing on low-power, high-efficiency deep learning algorithms that function without relying on cloud-based systems. This approach aligns with Apple’s oft-touted commitment to user privacy, data security, and reliable performance, as processing data locally minimizes the risk of data breaches and ensures faster processing times. The startup’s expertise in compressing neural networks to work effectively on portable devices like smartphones and tablets is likely a key factor in Apple’s interest.

Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple’s LLM will run entirely on-device, rather than via the cloud like most existing AI services. Apple’s AI tools may be less capable in certain instances than its direct cloud-based rivals, but Gurman suggested that the company could “fill in the gaps” by licensing technology from Google and other AI service providers.

Before its acquisition, Datakalab engaged in various high-profile projects, including collaborations with the French government and Disney. The company developed technology capable of analyzing human emotions by facial recognition and visual data, which were later used to monitor audience reactions in real-time during cinema screenings. The first look at Apple’s new AI strategy is widely anticipated to arrive alongside previews of its next-generation operating systems at WWDC in early June.

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Canva Acquires Serif’s Affinity Apps

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Canva has acquired Serif’s Affinity suite of creative apps, marking a significant stride in its competition against Adobe with a deal valued at several hundred million dollars (via Bloomberg).

affinity designer running on macos big sur
Canva is an Australian online design company valued at $26 billion. Its platform offers user-friendly design tools aimed at non-professionals and has a user base of over 175 million people worldwide. The acquisition of the Affinity apps marks a change of strategy for Canva, targeting professional designers and creatives who have traditionally relied on Adobe’s suite of products.

Affinity’s software, encompassing photo editing, vector illustration, and desktop publishing tools, has been been lauded for its performance, affordability, and one-time purchase model – a stark contrast to Adobe’s subscription services. The apps have garnered a strong following among Mac users in particular.

The acquisition includes the transition of Serif’s 90-person team to Canva, ensuring continuity in the development and support of Affinity apps. Cliff Obrecht, Canva’s co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that Affinity’s portfolio is the “final piece in our jigsaw,” indicating how the apps are expected to complement Canva’s existing array of AI-powered design solutions and collaborative online workspaces.

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Apple acquires fundamental AI smarts by buying DarwinAI

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Another AI acquisition for Apple: Illustration accompanying a story about the company buying Canadian AI startup DarwinAI.
Can Apple buy its way to AI dominance?
Image: Steve Johnson/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly purchased DarwinAI, a small startup previously based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company developed software that might make artificial intelligence systems running on an iPhone or other computer more efficient.

Apple promised that it’ll have big AI-related announcements later this year, and the acquisition will help the company build the necessary software.

Apple’s DarwinAI is likely about efficient AI systems

2024 will bring a big AI push from the iPhone-maker. “I think there’s a huge opportunity for Apple with GenAI and AI,” CEO Tim Cook said in February. “We’re excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year.”

And acquiring DarwinAI is a part of that, according to a report in Bloomberg on Thursday.

DarwinAI developed an AI-based system for visual quality inspection. Its software could check that items met quality requirements by looking at them. But that might not be why Apple bought the company.

The startup also created Generative Synthesis, a method to analyze an existing AI system developed by training and make a new system that does the same task but more efficiently. And the new system explains to developers/users why it does what it does — something many AI systems can not do.

As Apple is undoubtedly planning to run AI from an iPhone, it’ll need systems that are as efficient as possible.

Another result of the DarwinAI acquisition is additional AI expertise. “Dozens of DarwinAI’s employees have joined Apple’s artificial intelligence division,” reports Bloomberg. And Alexander Wong, who was the company’s chief scientist, became an Apple director.

The deal seems to have become effective at the end of 2023 — that’s when darwinai.com disappeared off the web.

We’ll almost certainly learn more about Apple’s big push into AI at WWDC 2024 in June. Early leaks already indicate that iOS 18 will include new generative AI features, and iPhone 16 will sport a processor designed to run artificial intelligence software more quickly.



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Synopsy acquires Ansys simulation software for $35 billion

Synopsys announcing the acquisition of Ansys

In a significant move within the tech industry, Synopsys, a major player in electronic design automation, has made a bold step by agreeing to purchase Ansys, a company known for its engineering simulation software, in a deal valued at $35 billion. This acquisition is set to create a powerhouse by combining Synopsys’ expertise in design tools with Ansys’ simulation prowess, potentially leading to faster innovation and growth in various sectors that rely heavily on complex electronic systems.

For those holding Ansys shares, the deal terms are quite attractive. Shareholders are set to receive $197.00 in cash and a fraction of Synopsys stock for each share of Ansys they own. This offer not only provides a premium over the current market value of Ansys shares but also highlights the value that Ansys’ technology brings to Synopsys’ future.

The merger is expected to create a dominant force in the EDA and simulation markets. By bringing together the strengths of both companies, the design process from the smallest silicon components to entire systems could become more streamlined. This is particularly important for industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing, where the demand for sophisticated electronic systems is growing rapidly.

Synopsys to acquire Ansys

Synopsys is set to broaden its market influence by adding Ansys’ simulation tools to its portfolio. This strategic move is timely, as electronic systems are becoming more integral to technological advancements. By expanding into new markets, Synopsys aims to grow beyond its foundational EDA solutions.

Founder of Synopsys

“Since inception 37 years ago, Synopsys has been an innovation pioneer, central to world-changing semiconductor advances in computation, networking, and mobility, and now enabling the new era of ‘pervasive intelligence’,” said Aart de Geus, Executive Chair and Founder of Synopsys. “Joining forces with Ansys, a company we know well from our long-standing partnership, is the latest example of how Synopsys remains at the forefront. Our Board and management team carefully evaluated our top strategic options to lead and win in this fast-growing new wave of electronics and system design. The technology-broadening team-up with Ansys is an ideal, value-enhancing step for our company, our shareholders, and the innovative customers we serve.”

From a financial perspective, the acquisition looks promising for Synopsys. It is expected to improve key financial metrics, such as non-GAAP operating margin and free cash flow margins. Moreover, the deal is predicted to increase non-GAAP earnings per share, which could signal higher profitability and attract investor interest.

The companies anticipate that the merger will generate significant cost and revenue synergies, estimated at around $400 million annually within three to four years after the deal closes. These synergies are likely to come from increased operational efficiencies and the ability to offer more competitive products.

CEO of Ansys

“For more than 50 years, Ansys has enabled customers to design, develop and deliver cutting-edge products that are limited only by imagination. By joining forces with Synopsys, we will amplify our joint efforts to drive new levels of customer innovation,” said Ajei Gopal, President and CEO of Ansys. “This transformative combination brings together each company’s highly complementary capabilities to meet the evolving needs of today’s engineers and give them unprecedented insight into the performance of their products.

Ansys has a strong foundation, as demonstrated by preliminary annual contract value (“ACV”) results for Q4 that are expected to exceed the high end of our guidance, and I am confident that building on our partnership with Synopsys will position us well to deliver even greater value for our customers, partners and shareholders.

The combined company will accelerate the development of our joint portfolio and deliver an increased level of innovation, which will benefit Ansys’ traditional customers. I am proud of all that our employees do every day to make Ansys and our customers successful and look forward to the combined company achieving even greater heights in this next chapter.”

To finance the cash portion of the acquisition, Synopsys plans to use its available cash and secure $16 billion in debt financing. This approach aims to maintain the company’s financial flexibility while undertaking this substantial purchase.

However, the acquisition is not yet a done deal. It is subject to approval from Ansys shareholders, regulatory clearances, and other customary closing conditions. If all goes as planned, the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025, marking a significant milestone for both companies and their stakeholders.

The tech industry is constantly evolving, and this merger could set a new standard for how companies address the challenges of designing and analyzing modern electronic systems. The combined capabilities of Synopsys and Ansys could lead to enhanced product offerings, increased market presence, and improved financial health, all of which are crucial as the demand for advanced electronic systems continues to rise.

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Broadcom acquires VMware virtualization technology company

Broadcom acquires VMware

Imagine you’re sitting down with a cup of coffee, and I’m about to tell you about something pretty big that’s happening in the tech world. You know how everything is connected these days, right? Well, Broadcom, a big player in tech, has just bought VMware, another heavyweight in the industry. This deal is a big deal because it’s going to shake things up in how we deal with IT infrastructure—that’s all the tech that keeps our apps and data running smoothly, whether it’s in the cloud or on our own servers.

Now, Broadcom isn’t just throwing money around for fun. They’re serious about making things better and have promised to keep pouring cash into research and development (R&D). They want to make sure they’re always coming up with new ideas and solutions. Plus, they’re looking to grow their network of partners, and with VMware’s connections, they’re going to have a pretty impressive team.

Let’s talk about the cloud for a second. You’ve heard of it, right? It’s like a virtual space where you can store all your stuff and run your apps. Broadcom is putting some serious effort into VMware Cloud Foundation, which is all about making it easier for folks like you to manage your private and hybrid cloud setups. It’s like having a super-smart system that keeps everything running smoothly and securely.

Broadcom acquires VMware

Security is a big deal, too. Nobody wants to get hacked. Broadcom is on top of that with some smart strategies to keep the bad guys out. They’re using AI and genetic algorithms to stay ahead of new threats, and they’ve got some top-notch load balancer solutions to make sure your apps can handle whatever you throw at them without breaking a sweat.

Now, let’s get a bit technical but not too much. You’ve probably heard that a lot of chief information officers—CIOs, for short—are all about creating modern apps that run in the cloud. Well, more than 70% of them are saying it’s a top priority. VMware has some tools, like VMware Tanzu, that are all about helping businesses move faster by making it easier to build, deliver, and manage apps across different cloud environments.

Broadcom’s decision to buy VMware isn’t just about the here and now. They’re looking at the big picture, thinking about how software is going to play a role in everything from traditional data centers to the edge of computing—that’s tech speak for the devices and sensors that are all around us, like in our phones and cars.

The folks at Broadcom have a vision for the future. They’re not just buying companies left and right without a plan. They’re investing in their acquisitions with the goal of growing steadily and bringing more value to customers like you. With VMware’s tech joining the Broadcom family, you can bet that you’ll see some cool new innovations that’ll help your business grow.

So, what does all this mean for you? Well, with Broadcom and VMware joining forces, you’ve got a powerhouse team working to make your IT infrastructure better, faster, and more secure. They’re all about giving you the tools you need to keep your operations running smoothly and keeping your data safe from the latest cyber threats. It’s all about making sure you can focus on growing your business without worrying about the tech that supports it.

Now, I know that was a lot to take in, but the bottom line is that this acquisition is a big step forward for the world of infrastructure technology. It’s going to make a lot of things easier and more secure for businesses everywhere. And that’s something to be excited about, don’t you think?

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