Altman and Ive’s mysterious AI Device Aims for ‘Peace and Calm’-and a Bite?
A new artificial intelligence hardware project, backed by Laurene Powell Jobs and spearheaded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple design chief Jony Ive, is generating notable buzz despite a veil of secrecy surrounding its form and function. Teh enterprising venture seeks to redefine how humans interact with technology, moving beyond the perceived “indignities” of current devices.
Altman described the experience of using today’s technology as akin to navigating the sensory overload of Times Square – “flashing lights in my face,tension going here,people bumping into me,noises going off.” In contrast, the forthcoming OpenAI device, revealed at a recent event hosted by Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective, will rather aim to replicate “sitting in the most beautiful cabin by a lake in the mountains and just sort of enjoying the peace and calm.”
The collaboration officially launched in May with OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive’s hardware startup, io, which had previously secured investment from Powell Jobs. This acquisition brought Ive onboard to lead the design efforts for a consumer-facing AI device that reimagines the human-technology interface.
According to Ive, the initial discussions weren’t centered on a specific product, but rather a “tentative thesis” exploring “the nature of objects and our interface.” details remain scarce, but the pair have offered intriguing glimpses into their design ideology. Early concepts focused on creating a device so appealing users would be compelled to physically interact with it – even, as Altman jokingly suggested, to “lick or take a bite out of” it. An initial prototype failed to meet this ambitious standard and was subsequently scrapped.
However, the team now reports significant progress.Altman described the current prototypes as “jaw-droppingly good,” with a consumer release anticipated within the next two years. The device is explicitly not intended to be another smartphone, and the creators have voiced concerns about the potentially harmful effects of existing tech products.
Despite this, the project appears to draw inspiration from Apple’s renowned design aesthetic. OpenAI’s device will be “playful” and full of “whimsy,” Altman stated, envisioning a product so minimal that consumers might simply ask, “That’s it?” Ive echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of “restraint and s
Here’s a news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:
Why: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple design chief Jony Ive are collaborating to create a new AI-powered device to address what they perceive as the “indignities” and harmful effects of current technology, aiming for a more peaceful and intuitive user experience.
Who: The project is spearheaded by Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) and Jony ive (former Apple design chief). It’s backed by Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective and funded by OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive’s startup, io.
What: The venture is developing a consumer-facing AI device that is not intended to be a smartphone.The device is designed to be physically appealing and intuitive,prioritizing tactile interaction and a minimalist aesthetic.Early concepts even explored making the device so attractive users would want to physically interact with it in unusual ways.
How: OpenAI acquired Ive’s hardware startup, io, in May, bringing ive onboard to lead design. The team has moved through initial prototypes and now reports “jaw-droppingly good” progress, with a consumer release anticipated within the next two
