'iPhone-like breakthrough': OpenAI is working on AI-powered hardware device
What's the story
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced plans for an AI-specific hardware device—a move that could cause the biggest tech disruption since the original iPhone launched in 2007, per Nikkei Asia.
While details remain undisclosed, the device aims to transform user interaction with AI.
Altman also expressed interest in collaborating with Jony Ive, Apple's former chief design officer.
"We hope to do it in partnership with Jony Ive," Altman told Nikkei Asia.
Scenario
Ive's collaboration on new AI device
In September last year, Ive had confirmed that he is working with Altman on a hardware project.
The confirmation came in a profile interview by The New York Times, almost a year after reports first surfaced about a possible collaboration between Altman and the veteran Apple designer.
While details about the project remained scarce, it is known that Ive was introduced to Altman by Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky.
Financial backing
Project funding and potential investment
The hardware project was said to be financially backed by Ive and the Emerson Collective, a company owned by Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs.
The New York Times suggested this initiative could secure up to $1 billion in funding by 2024-end.
The project team also reportedly included several members who had previously worked with Ive on the iPhone.
Early rumors indicated that the new device could be inspired by touchscreen technology and the original iPhone.
Technological innovation
AI capabilities of the new device
Altman and Ive also touched upon how generative AI could pave the way for a new computing device.
The tech is anticipated to provide more user benefits than conventional software, as it can summarize and prioritize messages, identify objects (like plants), and manage complicated tasks (like travel bookings).
To date, no timeline has been given for when more details on this project will be unveiled.
Altman hinted that it would take several years to unveil the project, per Nikkei Asia.