Introduction to OpenAI’s New AI Device
Thanks to a related trademark lawsuit, we now have some insight into what OpenAI and Jony Ive’s first AI device won’t be. The consumer hardware team, io, which OpenAI recently acquired from Jony Ive’s design studio for $6.5 billion, has testified in court filings about their plans for the device.
What the Device Won’t Be
In court filings submitted this month, leaders from io stated that the first device they plan to release won’t be an "in-ear device" or a "wearable." They also mentioned that the AI device won’t ship until "at least" 2026. Tang Tan, io’s chief hardware officer and a former Apple design leader, said in a June 16th declaration, "The prototype Sam Altman referenced in the video is at least a year away from being offered for sale. Its design is not yet finalized, but it is not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device."
Design Considerations
OpenAI’s June 12th opposition to Iyo’s lawsuit revealed that io considered a broad range of form factors, including objects that were desktop-based and mobile, wireless and wired, wearable and portable. As part of these early efforts, io purchased a wide range of earbuds, hearing aids, and at least 30 different headphone sets from various companies. This suggests that while the first device may not be an in-ear device, the company has explored the category.
Competitive Landscape
While Tan’s declaration states that io’s first piece of hardware won’t be an "in-ear device," it’s clear that io and OpenAI have considered the category. In one email from late March, an io employee named Marwan Rammah told Tang that they should consider buying 3D scans of human ears "as a helpful starting point on ergonomics and HF." This indicates that the company has thought about the design and functionality of in-ear devices. Additionally, in another email earlier that month, Altman responded to Iyo’s offer to personally invest in the company by writing: "thanks but im working on something competitive so will respectfully pass!" This response suggests that OpenAI is working on a project that could compete with other companies in the AI device market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while we don’t know exactly what OpenAI and Jony Ive’s first AI device will be, we have some idea of what it won’t be. The device won’t be an in-ear device or a wearable, and it won’t ship until at least 2026. The company has considered various form factors and has explored the in-ear device category, but has decided to pursue a different design. As the market for AI devices continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what OpenAI and Jony Ive’s device looks like and how it competes with other products in the industry.
