The world of AI is abuzz with activity, largely thanks to companies like OpenAI. We recently heard about the ChatGPT maker acquiring “io,” the AI hardware startup led by former Apple design legend Jony Ive. If you were wondering what kind of groundbreaking product this OpenAI-Ive collaboration might produce, you can scratch “wearable” off your list.
According to the Wall Street Journal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently shared some details with employees. He revealed that the company’s next major hardware product won’t be something you wear. Instead, picture this: a compact, screenless device that’s fully aware of its user’s surroundings. Altman described it as something small enough to sit on a desk or even fit in your pocket. He envisions it as a “third core device” that complements your existing tech, like a MacBook Pro and iPhone. Essentially, it’s designed to be an “AI companion” seamlessly integrated into your daily life.
OpenAI and Jony Ive could develop a screenless AI device instead of a wearable
If this sounds familiar, it’s because something like this has been rumored before. An April report claimed that Altman and Ive were working on a “screenless AI phone,” or something like that. The two have reportedly been working on the device since at least last year.
OpenAI has primarily been a software powerhouse, known for its incredible GPT AI models. However, the acquisition of “io” marks a clear strategic step toward bringing that powerful AI into the physical world through dedicated hardware devices. The reported $6.5 billion deal to get “io” certainly suggests a massive commitment. Jony Ive is set to take on a key role in creativity and design within OpenAI.
Altman reportedly believes this acquisition could eventually add a staggering $1 trillion in market value to OpenAI. The goal? Create an entirely new category of devices unlike anything seen before. Altman also reportedly stressed the importance of secrecy to his team, hoping to prevent competitors from copying their innovative product before its launch. However, the very fact that these remarks leaked raises questions about how well that secrecy can be maintained.
Regardless, the partnership between OpenAI’s AI prowess and Jony Ive’s design genius is undeniably exciting. We’ll be watching closely to see what this secretive, screenless AI companion eventually brings to our desks and pockets.
