…Q.ai is tight-lipped in public about its technology, but patents it filed show tech being used in headphones or glasses using ‘facial skin micro movements’ for nonverbal communication, according to the FT.

Apple’s vice president of hardware, Johnny Srouji, said in a statement that the startup is ‘pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning.’

The move may be a component of Apple’s strategy for ‘wearable’ products, such as smart glasses. Software that reads facial expressions could potentially make way for a hands-free user interface that doesn’t require talking out loud, reports noted.