Apple just acquired San Francisco-based artificial intelligence startup called PullString, which helps other companies create conversational voice apps. PullString is known within the industry for creating the software backbone for voice systems behind popular toys (like Mattel's talking Hello Barbie doll). But the company has also helped companies build skills and apps for Amazon's Alexa platform and Google Assistant. It isn't clear what Apple will gain from the deal. But from the looks of it, the most obvious one is to help Siri catch up with its competition. PullString was founded back in 2011 by former Pixar employees. Its CEO Oren Jacob was Pixar's chief technology officer for a time.
Source: The Verge