According to two sources in The Information published yesterday, it is alleged that Jony Ive, former Chief Design Officer at Apple, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, are exploring collaboration on an unspecified artificial intelligence “hardware device.”

New Hardware for the AI Age

The specifics regarding the device being discussed by Ive and Altman remain under wraps. Reportedly, the discussions between the two, who share a friendship, revolve around envisioning the “new hardware for the AI age.” It’s yet to be determined whether OpenAI or a third-party manufacturer will take up the production of this device, or if the collaboration will materialize into a tangible product at all.

This isn’t the maiden venture for Altman collaborating with a former Apple designer on innovative hardware. Previously, Thomas Meyerhoffer, the first recruit by Ive at Apple, partnered with Altman on the Worldcoin crypto project, crafting a spherical retina-scanning device named Orb. This venture was facilitated by Tools for Humanity, a company co-founded by Altman in 2019, where he also assumes the role of chairman. Altman’s investment portfolio also boasts a significant stake in Humane, a startup by ex-Apple employees, working on a wearable AI device aimed at supplanting smartphones. In a collaborative spirit, Humane is working alongside OpenAI to incorporate its AI technology into this new device.

SoftBank’s Involvement

Furthermore, discussions between Altman and Ive reportedly include SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. Known for his hefty investments in AI-centric startups, surpassing $140 billion in recent years, Son aims to position SoftBank as a linchpin in the AI revolution investment landscape. His continuance in the collaboration with Ive and Altman remains uncertain.

If the rumours are true and it gets off the ground, this collaborative project could potentially pave the way for groundbreaking hardware, enhancing the way individuals interact with AI technology. Drawing on the expertise and innovative histories of the individuals involved, there’s a prospect of developing a device that could significantly impact the AI hardware realm, dovetailing with the contemporary surge towards a more AI-integrated society.

Featured image: Credit: Marcus Dawes, Wikipedia