long story short
- A new AI device from Apple design icon Jony Ive and OpenAI founder Sam Altman reportedly doesn’t look like a phone.
- According to sources, the device could “theoretically” be powered by ChatGPT.
- The product will follow in the footsteps of artificial intelligence devices such as the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1.
Late last year, news broke that former Apple design legend Jony Ive and OpenAI founder Sam Altman were developing a new artificial intelligence hardware device. Now, it looks like more obvious details have emerged.
information Ive and Altman have begun discussions with multiple venture capital firms about funding the new company, according to two sources. But the more interesting detail is that the outlet’s sources say the upcoming AI device won’t look like a phone. It’s also believed that OpenAI’s ChatGPT could “theoretically” power some of the device’s features.
We’d be a little surprised by an AI device that doesn’t look like a phone. We initially expected the device to actually be an AI-powered smartphone, especially given Jony Ive’s mobile credentials at Apple.
A new wave of smart artificial intelligence products
However, this isn’t the first AI device to use a novel form factor. Startup Humane made a splash late last year and at MWC 2024 with its upcoming AI Pin widget (see top of page). The device attaches to the front of your clothing like a brooch and provides access to AI services via voice or a built-in projector.
Startup Rabbit also recently launched the Rabbit R1 device, which apparently learns how you use apps and then lets you use said apps through natural language.
So we’re very curious to see how Ive and Ultraman’s devices will differ from these original gadgets. But it’s still early days in this area, so you may want to temper your expectations for this first-generation product.