One of the backbones of Siri's operation is its Data Operations Annotations group, and Apple has decided to close down one office, particularly in San Diego, California, according to reports. This specific office is responsible for improving the accuracy of the AI voice assistant system of the company, as well as evaluating the data from customers based on their input on Siri.
The good thing for employees is that there would be no layoffs, as said in the report.
Apple's Siri Data Operations Office in San Diego is Closing
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Bloomberg's latest report claims that Apple is closing down a San Diego office that houses the Data Operations Annotations group responsible for bringing in developments for Siri, the renowned AI voice assistant. It takes in data from the Siri users and utilizes them to improve the service, especially with its accuracy and ability to offer its assistance to all.
121 jobs will take a hit for this San Diego office closure, but the company has offered a solution to work for all. While the said team will still get to keep their jobs, Apple's offer for them means the employees would have to move to Austin, Texas, where another data operations office for Siri is up.
It was said that this is Apple's move to unify its U.S. operations for Siri's development, rather than having them separate into two offices.
Siri's Data Office Closure: What Does this Mean for You?
While news of Siri's data office closure is here, the question is how will this affect the end users of the renowned AI voice assistant.
According to 9to5 Mac and Bloomberg, Apple is planning to release a new and improved version of Siri this upcoming WWDC 2024 in June, ushering in new features like generative AI and LLMs powering it. Some of the workers from its Data Operations Annotations group are currently working on these improvements.
Apple's Siri and the AI Voice Assistant's Development
For the longest time, Apple's trusty voice assistant powered by its artificial intelligence development, Siri, has been at the forefront of all hands-free experiences for the company's tech ecosystem. While Siri is already significant for all Apple users, many are already feeling that it is getting left behind compared to the different competitors it has in the tech industry, with the likes of Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and more.
For iOS 17, Apple has made it so that Siri can read the web content from the iPhone's searches to its users, helping improve accessibility, and offering features that are similar to an audiobook where the text is enunciated.
It is expected that Siri will improve more in the coming months, with massive speculations this coming 2024 regarding its new features to bring for users, especially amidst this era of AI chatbots. For now, Apple's workforce is undergoing a massive change, for those working in Siri's San Diego office which is seeing a closure, with its operations moving to Texas.
