Openai has pushed the creator AI into public consciousness. You may be developing very different types of AI devices at the moment.
According to a WSJ report, Openai CEO Sam Altman told employees Wednesday that the company’s next major product is not wearable. Instead, it becomes a compact, screenless device that fully recognizes the user’s surroundings. Small enough to fit on a desk or in your pocket, Altman described it as both a “third core device” along with the MacBook Pro and iPhone, and as an “AI companion” integrated into everyday life.
The preview follows Openai’s announcement last year that it will acquire IO, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive in a $6.5 billion stock deal. Ive assumes important creative and design roles at Openai.
Altman reportedly told employees that the acquisition could ultimately add a market value of $1 trillion to the company, as it would create a new category of devices, unlike the handheld, wearables or glasses that other outfits deployed.
Altman also reportedly stressed to staff that secrets were important to prevent competitors from copying the product prior to launch. After all, recordings of his remarks leaked to the journal, raising questions about how reliable he could be with his team, and how willing he would disclose.