OpenAI Considers Acquiring Jony Ive's AI Hardware Startup
Could OpenAI be considering a major move into hardware? Recent reports suggest that OpenAI, the powerhouse behind ChatGPT, has been in talks to acquire io Products, the AI hardware startup founded by former Apple design guru Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The potential price tag? Around $500 million, according to The Information.
A Partnership in the Making?
Jony Ive, who famously departed Apple in 2019 to launch his design firm LoveFrom, confirmed his collaboration with Altman on this venture last year. io Products has already secured funding from notable investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs' Emerson Collective.
However, an acquisition might not be the only path forward. The report also indicates that OpenAI could opt for a partnership with io Products instead. The startup, currently comprised of a small team of talented individuals, including former Apple designers Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, is reportedly exploring various concepts for AI-powered devices.
Beyond the Smartphone: A New Vision for AI Devices
Details about io Products' projects remain somewhat scarce, but it's understood that they've been experimenting with smart home gadgets and other AI-enabled devices. Intriguingly, The New York Times reported last year that the startup's ambition is to create products that are "less socially disruptive than the iPhone." This suggests a focus on seamlessly integrating AI into our lives in a more subtle and beneficial way.
The move would mark a significant shift for OpenAI, which has primarily focused on software and AI models. Acquiring or partnering with io Products would give OpenAI a dedicated hardware team and the ability to shape the future of AI devices from the ground up. It's definitely a development worth watching as the AI landscape continues to evolve.
Source: TechCrunch