On Monday, Eastern Time, new information emerged regarding "OpenAI smart hardware." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated on Friday that the artificial intelligence company... (AI) startup has finally completed the first prototypes of its hardware device.
As background, OpenAI announced in May this year that it would acquire the former Apple for $6.5 billion (approximately RMB 46.8 billion). io, the AI hardware startup founded by chief designer Jony Ive, has made it clear that it will launch a batch of "AI computers." Since then, both OpenAI and io have remained relatively silent about the project.
On the same day, Altman said in a video released by the Emerson Collective, "We finally have our first prototypes. I can hardly believe how amazing and exciting this work is."
He was in discussions with Jony Ive and Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs and founder of the Emerson Foundation. The firm invests in companies run by visionary and mission-driven entrepreneurs and innovators.
Ive stated that he expects to release the device in two years or less. He also noted that the development process for new hardware is largely unpredictable.
“Especially in large companies that value predictability, leaders are very uncomfortable with ambiguity,” he added.
What exactly is this product?
However, Altman declined to answer questions about what OpenAI is building, but he said the company’s hardware is designed to create a calmer “atmosphere” rather than a smartphone, which he likened to walking in Times Square.
"This way you can enjoy a completely different atmosphere, unlike walking in Times Square where there are crowds of people and all sorts of things vying for your attention. Instead, it's like sitting by a lake or in the most beautiful cabin in the mountains, enjoying the peace and tranquility," he said.
According to previous leaks, OpenAI is developing mysterious hardware devices including a "screenless smart speaker," and the company is also considering developing glasses, a voice recorder, and a "wearable pin." The target release date for the first batch of devices is late 2026 or early 2027.
Altman had previously stated that their first envisioned product would be "pocket-sized, context-aware, and screenless." However, he also indicated that the first device wouldn't be glasses , suggesting that smart glasses might be released later. Previous reports also mentioned that OpenAI is developing an in-ear device .
According to Altman's latest statement, this intelligent AI device will be able to do things for users over a long period of time, filter things out, and know when there is something important that needs to be notified to the user. He added that the device will be able to "know everything you have ever thought, read, and said."
Reshaping the AI Hardware Industry
OpenAI’s hardware plans are being closely watched by competitors and potential customers.
Amazon Companies like Google and Meta have released AI devices such as smart glasses and smart speakers, but none have been large enough to reshape the hardware industry. Other startups are also experimenting with new device sizes, such as pendants, and devices that empower AI robots. Innovative concepts such as individuality.
However, a major device launched by OpenAI, the owner of ChatGPT, could break the deadlock and, if successful, potentially threaten Apple . Apple has yet to release a design specifically for artificial intelligence, and the company has encountered problems launching its "AI-powered Siri." In March of this year, Apple announced a delay in Siri improvements until 2026.
(Article source: CLS)
