Apple appoints former Microsoft executive
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Apple has appointed Microsoft’s former Corporate Vice President Sam Jadallah to lead the “Home” products category at Apple. Even though Apple has not officially announced the appointment, Jadallah updated his LinkedIn bio to read – “Working on Home at Apple”, reflecting his new role with the iPhone-maker. However, along with Apple, Jadallah has also been tight-lipped over his hiring by the company.
After Microsoft, Jadallah ran a smart lock start-up called ‘Otto’ that shut down in January 2018.
“Hiring Jadallah is the latest signal that Apple plans to get serious about its own efforts in the ‘Home’ category,” the report said.
Apple has a range of “Home’ products including HomeKit — its software service that connects with a variety of third-party products; and HomePod — a smart speaker for the home with voice recognition and music.
Currently, Apple’s HomePod constitutes a small share of the home products market as compared to Amazon’s Echo and Google Home.
Recently, Apple acquired a voicetech start-up called Pullstring to strengthen Siri against Amazon’s Alexa.
“That purchase could help the smartphone-maker become the centre of a connected living room,” the report added.
Questions & Answers
Q.What prior experience does Sam Jadallah bring to his new role at Apple?
What prior experience does Sam Jadallah bring to his new role at Apple?
Before joining Apple, Sam Jadallah was a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. He later founded and ran a smart lock start-up called ‘Otto’, which ceased operations in January 2018.
Q.What existing 'Home' products does Apple currently offer?
What existing 'Home' products does Apple currently offer?
Apple's current 'Home' product range includes HomeKit, a software service for connecting third-party devices, and HomePod, a smart speaker with voice recognition and music capabilities. These are the main offerings in this category.
Q.How does Apple plan to improve its voice technology for the connected home?
How does Apple plan to improve its voice technology for the connected home?
Apple recently acquired a voicetech start-up named Pullstring. This purchase aims to strengthen Siri's capabilities, particularly in competition with Amazon's Alexa, and support Apple's connected living room strategy.
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