December 2, 2023

In the event that they aren’t making a smartphone, what the heck are they making?!

On the finish of September, a report got here out that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Apple’s earlier Chief Design Officer, Jony Ive, had been probably collaborating collectively on an AI {hardware} mission. On the time, the rumor was that Ive and Altman had been discussing the creation of a chunk of {hardware} powered by synthetic intelligence. In fact, the very first thing that individuals pointed to was a brand new smartphone — an AI telephone to switch the iPhone that Ive was beforehand concerned with creating.

Effectively, Altman has put these rumors to mattress. In an interview with The Wall Avenue Journal’s Joanna Stern, Altman talked about what sort of {hardware} could also be doable on this new period of AI the place computer systems can assume for themselves. Stern introduced up the rumor about Altman working with Ive on a mission, and Altman didn’t deny that the 2 have mentioned a possible product to collaborate collectively on.

Apple’s former design chief Jony Ive. Picture supply: Apple/YouTube

Nevertheless, when Joanna requested if the {hardware} may very well be a smartphone, Altman shot down that concept. The CEO stated, “I feel there’s something nice to do however I don’t know what it’s but” and that he has “little interest in attempting to compete with the smartphone.” He additionally shot down the concept that it might come within the type of a humanoid robotic. Altman stated that he has lots of potential concepts of what may very well be achieved, however that each one of these concepts are within the very early levels of dialogue.

Stern additionally requested Altman if OpenAI would make its personal chips — one other factor that the CEO denied. Whereas he doesn’t need to rule something out, Altman stated that the corporate’s present companions like NVIDIA have sufficient functionality and capability to satisfy demand and that the “default path” doesn’t embrace OpenAI designing its personal processors.

You’ll be able to watch the clip on Threads under:

Put up by @joannastern

View on Threads

In fact, if OpenAI is working with Jony Ive, it does point out that Altman and the crew are excited about releasing some sort of {hardware}. You don’t work with Jony Ive except you propose to create one thing within the bodily world. Granted, Jony Ive did take over the design of software program as nicely at Apple for a very long time — he was the architect behind the both beloved or hated iOS 7 redesign — so something is feasible.

If OpenAI and Ive aren’t making a smartphone, I’m wondering what it may very well be. May it’s extra associated to the AI Pin that’s coming from Humane, an organization additionally began by former Apple executives? That machine made its debut at TED and not too long ago confirmed up at Paris Trend Week. It’s presupposed to launch in November, so it looks as if the race to “AI first” {hardware} is already kicking off.