OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, announced its collaboration with legendary designer Jony Ive, who was behind the design of famous Apple devices, to create a new device that paves the way for smoother and more human interactions with artificial intelligence technologies.
Ive, the former head of design at Apple, stated that current devices like phones and computers do not keep up with the tremendous advances in artificial intelligence, saying, "It makes sense to think beyond these outdated products."
For his part, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described the prototype presented to him by Ive as 'the most amazing piece of technology humanity will ever see.'
Despite not revealing many details, American reports indicated that the new device will not have a screen and will not be wearable like a watch or pin, which increases the mystery about its nature and raises anticipation about what it could offer.
Intense competition and complex challenges
This step comes at a time when major tech companies are in a fierce race to design devices dedicated to artificial intelligence, as Google announced smart glasses with AI capabilities, Amazon continues to develop its assistant Alexa, while Apple is moving at a relatively slower pace in integrating generative AI into its phones.
This comes after the failure of the AI Pin, a device launched by Humane for $699, which lasted less than a year in the market due to weak demand, and it seems that companies like Meta and OpenAI are ready for bigger bets despite previous setbacks.
Experts believe that voice will be the primary tool for communicating with artificial intelligence technologies in the future, expecting that the anticipated device from OpenAI will rely entirely on voice interaction without the need for continuous internet connection, for reasons related to efficiency, security, and energy conservation.
Experts, including Olivier Blanchard, confirm that there is an urgent need for 'local' solutions that are not entirely reliant on the cloud, as 'there is not enough energy in the world to support the limitless expansion of artificial intelligence.'
The bigger question that companies are facing today is, what device will become the preferred interface for artificial intelligence technologies? While the smartphone remains an integral part of users' lives, the race to find a smart alternative has already begun, and OpenAI has the funding and minds necessary to change the game.
