With its latest acquisition of the AI startup Q.ai, Apple aims to gain an edge, particularly in the audio sector. ​As first reported by Reuters, Apple has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup specializing in imaging and machine learning, particularly technologies that enable devices to interpret whispered speech and enhance audio in noisy environments. Apple has been adding new AI features to its AirPods, including the live translation capability introduced last year. ​Notably, this is the second time CEO Aviad Maizels has sold a company to Apple. ​Its founding team, including Maizels and co-founders Yonatan Wexler and Avi Barliya, will join Apple as part of the acquisition.