Jony Ive, the former Apple chief designer responsible for iconic products such as the iPhone and MacBook, has confirmed that he is working with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, to develop a new artificial intelligence (AI) device. This announcement has generated a lot of interest in the technology industry as it combines Ive's vision for design with OpenAI's expertise in AI, most notably known for ChatGPT. However, the product does not yet have a release date.
The origin of this collaboration goes back to the relationship that Ive and Altman established through Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb. While not many details about the nature of the device have been revealed yet, close sources have indicated that the project aims to develop technology that is less invasive and disruptive than current smartphones. The focus appears to be on developing a device that integrates AI into people's daily lives in a more natural way, as opposed to the constant reliance on the screens of modern mobile devices.
iPhone rival
While many assume that this device will be in direct competition with current smartphones such as the iPhone or Google's Pixel phones, it is unclear whether it will be a cell phone or an entirely new device. In fact, some reports suggest that the device will not necessarily be a smartphone. Instead, it could be a form of personal computing that reduces the technical intrusiveness - a common criticism of current devices.
So far, it is known that Ive has recruited former employees who worked with him at Apple, such as Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, who were instrumental in the development of products such as the iPhone, to support his LoveFrom project. This involvement reinforces the expectation that the new device will have an innovative and high-quality design, characteristics that have always been part of Ive's brand.
Hardware
Despite the excitement generated by Ive's involvement, developing a successful AI-powered hardware device presents a significant challenge. Previous attempts to bring AI-driven devices to market have failed. A recent example is the Humane AI Pin, a device developed by former Apple employees that was intended to partially replace smartphones but failed to meet market expectations. Another example is the Rabbit R1, a phone-like AI device that was considered a promising idea but failed to generate sufficient interest.
In this sense, OpenAI's project with Ive not only faces the technological challenge of developing efficient AI hardware, but also the hurdle of market acceptance. There are many devices in the technology industry that are innovative but do not meet the actual needs of users. However, OpenAI's vast experience in developing AI software and Ive's reputation as a designer of technology products are a powerful combination.
The project could also have a significant impact on the technology industry in general. While OpenAI is seeking a new round of funding that could value the company at $100 billion, some sources have speculated that Apple may be interested in investing. This could lead to an ironic situation, as Apple is indirectly backing a product that could compete with its own iPhone.
On the other hand, this development points to a new generation of devices that are more AI-focused and less reliant on traditional interfaces. Ive and Altman's vision of a “less distracting computer” could lay the foundation for a future where technological devices integrate more seamlessly into the human environment, minimizing distractions and allowing for more natural interaction.
