Will We Soon Get a New Kind of AI Device

Table of Contents

The Development of the “iPhone of Artificial Intelligence”

The mission to build a consumer AI device, already being referred to as the “iPhone of artificial intelligence,” has taken another step towards becoming a reality. Joining what is starting to look like an Avengers team of technology, is Apple’s CEO Tang Tan, the principal designer of the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Collaboration with the Creators of ChatGPT

In September, it was announced that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, seeks to create their first consumer device that offers a more natural and intuitive way to interact with artificial intelligence. The company is collaborating with former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive as well as Masayoshi from SoftBank.

Tang Tan Joins the Innovative Project

According to Bloomberg, Ive and OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman have now enlisted the help of outgoing Apple executive Tang Tan on the hardware engineering aspect of the project.

The Post-Apple Era: Venture into AI Design

Upon his departure from Cupertino in February, Tan will join Ive’s design firm LoveFrom, which is handling the design and functionalities of the AI device. OpenAI and Altman’s roles are to provide the software and the intelligent artificial intelligence capabilities.

The Strong iPhone Connection

Ive has been deeply involved in the design of products like the iPhone, iMac, and iPad during his time at Apple. With Tang Tan now involved, the connection to the iPhone becomes even stronger. However, Altman mentioned earlier this year at The Wall Street Journal’s Tech Live event that he is not interested in creating a device that would compete with something as ubiquitous as the smartphone.

The Mystery of the New Device

What exactly the new device will be remains unknown. There have been suggestions that it could be a rethinking of something similar to Google Glass.

Rethinking Interaction with Computers

Ive has reportedly stated that the project represents an opportunity to create a new mode of interacting with computers that relies less on screens. Altman is familiar with this concept, thanks to his investment in the hardware and software startup Humane, which recently revealed its own AI device—a $699 wearable brooch without a screen that contains a voice assistant and a laser projector, all powered by GPT-4. Designers claim it should replace the smartphone. It’s unclear how this will fit alongside the LoveFrom/OpenAI device.