Apple is augmenting the artificial learning arm of its business. The company has bought machine learning startup, Tuplejump.

Tuplejump is based in Hyderabad, India. The company develops software which process and analyzes big data. AI has become important for Apple as it main rivals such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook have developed virtual assistants.

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Tech Crunch reported that Apple is interested in an opensource project being developed by Tuplejump. The project, known as "FiloDB," can be used for applying artificial learning concepts and analytics to big data on realtime basis. The project is headed by Evan Chan, whose LinkedIn page suggests that he has been with Tuplejump since August 2015. Tuplejump reportedly has about a dozen employees, and many of them are based in the US.

Apple is looking to increase its foothold in the artificial intelligence market. Earlier this year, the company allowed third parties to integrate its virtual assistant Siri on their apps. According to Bloomberg, the decision was likely taken to allow Apple to gather data and feedback from its large developer base. Siri faces severe competition from its main competitors such as Amazon's Alexa and Google, who have shown superior capabilities.

Apple appears to be on a shopping spree. Last month, the tech giant bought Turi, a machine learning company for $200 million. In January, Apple also acquired Emotient for an undisclosed amount of money. Emotient uses Artificial Intelligence for recognizing facial expression.