Meta is reportedly hiring Apple’s head of AI models

Ruoming Pang leaves Apple for Meta to lead a new AI unit under Mark Zuckerberg.

: Ruoming Pang, former head of AI models at Apple, has departed the company to join Meta, according to Bloomberg. Pang previously led efforts to develop Apple's in-house AI foundation models which are less advanced compared to those of OpenAI and Meta. His move is seen as part of Mark Zuckerberg’s strategy to enhance Meta’s AI superintelligence unit amidst reports of Apple's AI challenges. This development might signal further exits from Apple's AI team, enhancing Meta's talent pool with experts from Google DeepMind and other leaders.

Meta has made a significant acquisition by hiring Ruoming Pang, who was at the helm of Apple's AI models department, announcing this move on a recent Monday. This follows Apple’s ongoing struggles to bring its AI capabilities to the level of other leaders in the field such as OpenAI and Anthropic. The Bloomberg report highlights that Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, aims to build a formidable AI superintelligence unit through strategic recruitments.

Sources suggest that Pang's departure might mark the beginning of a series of exits from Apple's troubled AI sector. His expertise with on-device AI models could significantly bolster Meta’s efforts, as the company has already attracted prominent figures from Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Safe Superintelligence. These experiences with discreet, efficient AI models are particularly valuable as digital interactions increasingly rely on seamless on-device processing.

According to TechCrunch, Apple's consideration of engaging third-party AI models to enhance Siri underscores the competitive gap with rivals like Meta. Although Apple’s AI has lagged, its leadership in personal technology development remains influential, making these strategic hires by Meta highly noteworthy.

TechCrunch previously reported on Apple’s contemplation of external AI solutions for Siri, shedding light on the substantial internal debates about its AI direction. This illustrates a broader trend of tech giants adjusting their AI strategies amid rapid advancements by competitors. The ongoing narrative emphasizes the importance of cutting-edge AI talents and innovation to accelerate the competitiveness of tech firms.

Sources: Bloomberg, TechCrunch

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