Apple hires Amazon exec to lead Siri research

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The launch of Siri was one of the major things that Apple was applauded for when the iPhone 4S launched. The artificial intelligence-like capabilities of the virtual assistant amazed consumers and critics alike, and left them wondering what Cupertino would achieve next. With the iPhone 5, Siri got a few upgrades like the addition of a few new languages, but apart from that, no mind blowing enhancement was added to the talking software.

Iin order to wow the audience in the Siri department, Apple has hired a brand new executive to lead the Siri research for Cupertino. The exec in question is none other than former Amazon employee, William Stasior, who specialized in search technology. At Amazon, Stasior was running its own unit that covered search and search advertising and it was called A9. The fact that Apple hired him might indicate that the company is looking to perfect Siri’s searching capabilities.

Stasior holds an impressive resume. First off, he graduated from the famous, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He worked for Amazon since 2003 and his CV includes working for important companies like Oracle and AltaVista. He is married and has children and is the proud owner of a “cute” pug. Technology is also not his sole interests, as Stasior enjoys reading “business shocker” and “adventure thrillers” in his spare time.

Strangely enough, Apple has lost some of the major persons of interest who were involved in creating Siri in the first place. Adam Cheyer, co-founder of the voice recognition software company that Apple purchased in 2008, just quit. CEO Dag Kittlaus also resigned in October 2011. No comments were given as to the reasons for these departures.

By Radu

Source - Apple Hires Amazon A9 Exec Stasior to Run Siri - Kara Swisher - Mobile - AllThingsD

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