Google’s AI Wants To Be The Brain Behind iPhone

Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) software TensorFlow wants to do the thinking for an iPhone user.

The neural network software, which was launched by Google earlier this week, has processing capabilities similar to the human brain, enabling it to extend services which are beyond the ones provided by typical mobile phone apps. The 0.9 version of the software, which offers support for iOS devices, is an upgrade to the previous version, which only supported the Android platform.

Though TensorFlow‘s current capabilities are seemingly far from that of AI bot Samaritan as seen on “Person of Interest,” it’s smart enough to lead the development of smarter apps.

Currently, Google reportedly employs its machine-learning technology to power over 100 products and processes. With the advent of TensorFlow, the most powerful AI so far, usage is set to grow many times over. Google says, down the lane, humans are bound to be more reliant on AI-powered services than their good, old cell phones.

Google’s investment in developing a machine-learning software is part of a growing movement in Silicon Valley, wherein tech giants, like Amazon, eBay, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft, are allocating resources to the development of their own versions of smartbots and AI software, CNET reported.

Microsoft, which has been working on its own set of AI projects, recently shut down its AI bot, Tay, to recalibrate it to better understand human sensibilities. Nonetheless, Microsoft Cofounder Bill Gates thinks of machine-learning AI as “the most exciting thing going on” in the industry.

“Looking to the future, the next big step will be for the very concept of the ‘device’ to fade away,” wrote Google CEO Sundar Pichai. “Over time, the computer itself — whatever its form factor — will be an intelligent assistant helping you through your day. We will move from mobile-first to an AI-first world.”