Former Apple Design Head and OpenAI CEO Collaborating on Revolutionary AI-Powered Personal Device

Jony Ive, former Apple design lead, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are seeking funding for a new company that will produce an "artificial intelligence-powered personal device," not resembling a smartphone. They aim to raise at least $1 billion for the venture, and potential funding sources include Thrive Capital, Emerson Collective, and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. The new venture could put Ive in direct competition with Apple, though it remains unclear if OpenAI would be directly involved with the new hardware company.

Key Takeaways

• Former Apple designer Jony Ive and current OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are seeking funding for a new company to produce an AI-powered personal device, not a smartphone.
• They aim to raise at least $1 billion and are in talks with potential funding sources including Thrive Capital, Emerson Collective, and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son.
• Personal connections and industry pedigree may play a role in securing funding for the venture.
• The device would likely put Ive in direct competition with Apple, who are reportedly working on powerful new AI features for their devices.
• There is no indication yet that OpenAI would be directly involved in the new hardware company.

News Content

Jony Ive, former Apple design lead, and Sam Altman, current OpenAI CEO, are in talks to secure funding for a new company that will create an "artificial intelligence-powered personal device." The exact nature of the device is undisclosed, but it will differ from a smartphone. The duo aims to raise at least $1 billion, with potential funding sources including frequent OpenAI investor Thrive Capital and venture capital firm Emerson Collective, founded by Laurene Powell Jobs. Masayoshi Son, SoftBank CEO, has also expressed interest in the venture.

While the specific details of the device remain unknown, the involvement of prominent figures in the tech industry suggests potential personal connections may play a role in funding. Despite the lack of information about the device, it is anticipated to create competition for Ive's former employer, Apple, which is reportedly working on integrating powerful new AI features into its devices. Altman is also involved in other AI ventures, but there is no indication yet that OpenAI would be directly related to the new hardware company.

These developments shed light on the evolving landscape of AI and personal devices, hinting at potential upcoming disruptions in the tech industry.

Analysis

Jony Ive and Sam Altman's pursuit of $1 billion funding for a new AI-powered personal device is a result of their desire to revolutionize the tech industry. The undisclosed nature of the device suggests a disruptive innovation that may challenge Apple's AI advancements. The involvement of influential tech figures in the funding speaks to potential personal connections driving the project. Short-term consequences may include heightened competition for Apple, while the long-term impact could lead to a shift in the AI and personal device landscape. This development hints at upcoming disruptions, signifying the evolving nature of AI and personal devices in the tech industry.

Do You Know?

• OpenAI: An artificial intelligence research organization that aims to ensure that AI technology benefits all of humanity. It is focused on developing and promoting friendly AI for the betterment of society.

• Thrive Capital: A venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, known for investing in early-to-late stage companies across various sectors, including technology, media, and consumer retail.

• SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son: Masayoshi Son is the founder and CEO of SoftBank Group, a Japanese multinational conglomerate known for its investments in technology companies worldwide.