Sam Altman and Jony Ive: 100 Million AI ‘Companion’ Devices
OpenAI and famed designer Jony Ive are collaborating on a screenless AI device envisioned as a personal, always-aware companion that seamlessly fits into daily life. Leaked details from a staff meeting reveal the device will be compact, unobtrusive, and designed to sit alongside staples like the iPhone and MacBook Pro—but with the goal of moving users away from screens entirely.
The device, part of OpenAI’s acquisition of io, aims to deliver more natural interactions by being aware of its user’s surroundings, echoing the AI companion concept from the film Her. Instead of XR glasses like those from Meta or Google, OpenAI is opting for a minimalist, pocketable assistant.
While other attempts at screenless AI devices (like the Humane Ai Pin) have failed due to bugs and poor performance, OpenAI’s stronger AI models and greater resources could give this new venture a better chance of success.