OpenAI, the renowned company responsible for the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, is reportedly in discussions with Jony Ive, the esteemed designer formerly associated with Apple, to develop an artificial intelligence device. The Financial Times reports that this collaboration, which also involves Masayoshi Son from SoftBank, aims to create the “iPhone of artificial intelligence.” While the specifics of the device are not yet disclosed, potential options include a standalone smart speaker equipped with ChatGPT capabilities or headphones that enable direct interaction with the AI bot.
Jony Ive, who departed Apple in 2019 after an impressive 27-year tenure, established his own design company called LoveForm, which is now involved in this exciting partnership. Throughout his career, Ive played a pivotal role in shaping various Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and MacBook. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that his latest creation will likely deviate from a traditional screen-based design.
Coinciding with reports of this collaboration, OpenAI recently announced that ChatGPT now possesses direct internet access and enhanced capabilities in terms of “seeing, hearing, and speaking.” By incorporating voice and image recognition tools, this generative AI system now boasts capabilities similar to virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri. Additionally, the internet connectivity feature aligns ChatGPT with other leading AI tools such as Google’s Bard.
OpenAI highlighted the significance of this advancement, stating that ChatGPT can now browse the internet to provide users with current and reliable information, complete with direct links to relevant sources. The AI’s browsing capabilities prove particularly beneficial for tasks that require up-to-date information, such as assisting with technical research, aiding in bike selection, or facilitating vacation planning.
