According to a report from CoinWorld, Jony Ive discussed with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman the topic of “how generative artificial intelligence can create a new computing device.”
Compiled by: MetaverseHub
As early as April, there were rumors that ChatGPT developer OpenAI was collaborating with former Apple design chief Jony Ive to develop a hardware device, and Ive’s latest personal report has confirmed this speculation.
A recent article in The New York Times mentioned the existence of this project. The report stated that last year, Ive dined with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the introduction of Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky.
Following this meeting, the two devised a plan to create a new type of computing device powered by generative artificial intelligence. The core idea is that with the rapid advancement of AI capabilities, the way humans interact with computers and software will inevitably undergo a groundbreaking transformation.
The report noted that the two discussed “how generative artificial intelligence can create a new computing device.” This technology could enable users to perform more tasks than traditional software, such as summarizing and prioritizing information, identifying and naming objects, and handling complex requests like booking travel.
This sounds familiar, as similar attempts have been made before. For instance, the Rabbit R1, released earlier this year, claimed to have been trained on thousands of interfaces to automatically handle operations like booking flights, movie tickets, and even hailing rides.
Unfortunately, this device did not take off, similar to the Humane AiPin it attempted to surpass. Its concept is similar to the Rabbit R1, aiming to largely replace smartphones with generative AI, but this wearable device has been plagued by battery life and overheating issues since its launch.
Another reason for the lack of success of these generative AI devices may be that consumers prefer to use AI services on smartphones rather than on dedicated AI hardware.
However, Ive and Altman’s startup is committed to better development, having successfully brought in some key talent. Their current team of 10 includes Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, both former design leads at Apple who closely collaborated with Ive on bestselling products like the iPhone.
The report indicated that Ive’s company, Love From, is leading the design of this product. However, it should be noted that the Humane AiPin was also designed and launched by former Apple employees.
To support their operations, Ive and his team invested $60 million in February to purchase a 32,000-square-foot building in San Francisco, named LittleFox Theater.
Funding for this ambitious endeavor is also significant. It is reported that Ive has received investments from Emerson Collective, co-founded by Laurene Powell Jobs, and plans to raise as much as $1 billion from investors by the end of the year.
This device is being described as the “AI version of the iPhone,” and its design is said to potentially draw inspiration from the original iPhone and touch technology.
As for the specific details of this mysterious product, they have yet to be disclosed.
Marc Newson, co-founder of Love From, told The New York Times that the final form and release date of the product are still being determined.
Original sources:
1. https://www.techspot.com/news/104811-former-apple-designer-jony-confirms-partnership-openai-develop.html
2. https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/jony-ive-confirms-hes-working-on-a-device-for-openai-but-what-could-it-be
3. https://www.techopedia.com/news/former-apple-designer-jony-ive-confirms-work-on-an-openai-device