At a public event in San Francisco, USA, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple chief designer Joni Ive systematically talked about the AI hardware prototype the two sides are working on for the first time. Altman said the device will feel "quieter and more peaceful" than the iPhone, hoping to get rid of the current smartphone experience full of notifications and information noise. At this stage, there is limited information available, and it is widely believed that the device will be a new form that is pocket-sized and may be close to screenless.
The two emphasized that this is an "AI native" device, and the goal is to allow users to gradually build trust in long-term use, with the device filtering massive information in the background and interrupting or presenting content in the right way at the right time, rather than competing for attention with frequent reminders. Altman describes smartphones as "the pinnacle of consumer electronics", but believes that existing devices do not really make life quieter and more focused, and the new product hopes to become an extension of the state of "sitting in a wooden house by the lake".
The device is still in the prototype stage, and there is no official product name, price and specific function list, and only mentioned in the event that it is "expected to be launched within two years", so there is still uncertainty about the actual market time and launch market. As a background, OpenAI acquired io, an equipment company founded by Ive, for about $6.5 billion this year, and was revealed to have cooperated with Apple supplier Luxshare Precision to mass-produce related AI equipment, showing that it is extending from a software company to a consumer-facing hardware ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What exactly is OpenAI's AI device?
A: It is currently an AI hardware in the prototype stage, focusing on a "quiet, less intrusive" interactive experience, and is positioned as an AI-native device different from smartphones.
Q: When will I be able to buy this device?
A: At the event, Jonny Ive said that it is expected to be launched within two years, but the specific launch date, regions and first configurations have not yet been announced.
Q: Is there a screen, is it a mobile phone or an accessory?
A: Most of the outside reports call it a pocket-sized, close to "screenless" device, the form has not been finally confirmed, and the official has not stated whether it is a standalone terminal or a mobile phone.
Q: Who designs and manufactures this equipment?
A: The industrial design is led by Jonny Ive's team, and his company io has been acquired by OpenAI at a high price; In terms of manufacturing, there are reports that OpenAI is cooperating with Apple supplier Luxshare Precision and other manufacturers.
Q: Will this replace existing smartphones?
A: At present, it is more like exploring new forms of AI devices, and whether they can meet user needs in terms of functions, application ecology and privacy protection still needs to be verified after the actual product is released.
