OpenAI’s Next Move Skips Wearables, Report Says
▼ Summary
– OpenAI is developing a compact, screenless AI device designed to be aware of its user’s surroundings and serve as an “AI companion.”
– The device, described as a “third core device” alongside MacBooks and iPhones, will be small enough to fit on a desk or in a pocket.
– OpenAI announced a $6.5 billion acquisition of io, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, who will take on a key creative role at OpenAI.
– CEO Sam Altman believes the acquisition could add $1 trillion in market value by creating a new category of AI devices distinct from existing wearables or handhelds.
– Altman stressed the importance of secrecy to prevent competitors from copying the product, but his remarks were leaked, raising concerns about internal trust.
OpenAI appears to be steering clear of wearables for its next major product, opting instead for an innovative screenless device designed to blend seamlessly into users’ daily routines. According to insider reports, CEO Sam Altman recently revealed plans for this compact gadget during an internal meeting, describing it as a potential “third core device” alongside smartphones and laptops.
The upcoming product, small enough to fit in a pocket or sit discreetly on a desk, will reportedly feature advanced environmental awareness, functioning as both a personal AI companion and a productivity tool. This strategic shift comes shortly after OpenAI’s high-profile acquisition of io, a startup led by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, in a deal valued at $6.5 billion. Ive is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the device’s aesthetics and user experience.
Altman reportedly believes this venture could unlock $1 trillion in market value, positioning OpenAI as a pioneer in an entirely new device category—one that diverges from the wearables and smart glasses dominating the current tech landscape. However, maintaining secrecy has become a pressing concern. Despite Altman’s warnings about leaks, details of his internal presentation surfaced in media reports, casting doubt on the company’s ability to safeguard its innovations before launch.
The incident raises broader questions about how OpenAI will balance transparency with competitive advantage as it moves beyond software into cutting-edge hardware. With rivals likely scrambling to decode its strategy, the pressure is on to deliver a product that lives up to the hype—without giving too much away too soon.
(Source: TechCrunch)
