Apple Stokes Artificial Intelligence Talent Battle With Google Hire

Apple (AAPL) aims to catch-up in artificial intelligence as it has hired away the former head of AI and search technology from Google-parent Alphabet (GOOGL). John Giannandrea will report directly to Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook, according to the New York Times. Apple's move is the latest example of tech giants luring away top AI talent. The companies are rushing to improve a wide range of existing products with AI tools. AI programs -- essentially computer algorithms -- analyze huge amounts of data to identify patterns and predict outcomes.