Apple Inc has reportedly purchased UK-based voice recognition startup Novarius Technologies more than a year ago, according to International Business Times. The financial terms of the acquisition deal were not disclosed in the said report.
The deal was most likely done to enhance the features of iOS assistant app Siri. Novauris could help Siri work even when offline. The move was designed to help Apple gain traction over its competitors such as Google Now, which also works offline and gives its users predictive information. Another threat to Siri is Microsoft's upcoming assistant called Cortana, the report detailed.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Novauris' software can be used to search large databases using the user's voice. This can be especially useful for in-car navigation and entertainment systems. These systems require only a low level of technology, the report explained.
Meanwhile, Apple had confirmed the acquisition of Novauris. However, the smartphone giant did not specify the exact date of the transaction as well as its value, the report added.
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