Apple has hired John Giannandrea, former head of Google’s search and artificial intelligence unit, reports The New York Times. He’ll run Apple’s overall “machine learning and A.I. strategy,” reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook, the article adds.
“Our technology must be infused with the values we all hold dear,” Cook said Tuesday morning in an email to staff members obtained by The Times. “John shares our commitment to privacy and our thoughtful approach as we make computers even smarter and more personal.”
Part of his job, no doubt, will be concentrate on Siri, Apple’s “personal digital assistant.” Giannandrea had been senior vice president for Search at Google since February 26, 2016. Prior to this, he served as vice president of Engineering at the company and led its sprawling research and artificial intelligence efforts.
Giannandrea was co-founder of Tellme Networks, and served as its chief technology officer and vice president of Platform Development. He was responsible for the development and operation of Tellme’s pioneering Voice Application Network. He also oversaw Tellme’s leadership contribution to VoiceXML and other Internet-based telephony standards.
