Observed Signal · Feb 19, 2019 · Acquisition · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Apple acquires voice platform PullString
Apple is reportedly acquiring PullString, a startup that builds voice apps and previously developed voice tech for talking toys like Hello Barbie and for Alexa Skills. The deal reportedly entails $30 million upfront, with up to $10 million more tied to management milestones. PullString’s CEO is Oren Jacob, who was formerly CTO at Pixar. Apple has not publicly confirmed the acquisition. The move would broaden Siri’s capabilities and potentially make the assistant more attractive to brands and users, enabling easier creation and deployment of voice-based experiences to compete with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. PullString’s platform historically allowed non-developers to create Alexa Skills and emphasizes the growing importance of voice apps and voice-enabled ecosystems. If confirmed, the acquisition could signal a strategic push by Apple to strengthen its voice-enabled services beyond the core iPhone ecosystem.
Acquisition of a niche voice-tech platform could shift voice assistant capabilities and competitive dynamics in the adtech/MarTech landscape.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Apple to acquire PullString for $30 million upfront, with up to $10 million more for management.
- PullString is a voice creator platform that previously supported Hello Barbie and Alexa Skills and launched a platform for Alexa Skills in 2017.
- PullString's CEO is Oren Jacob, formerly CTO at Pixar.
- Apple has not publicly confirmed the acquisition.
- The deal aims to broaden Siri's capabilities to compete with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
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