Leaked Details Emerge on Jony Ive's Bold New OpenAI Gadget

In what seemed to be a prolonged phase of speculation, OpenAI has now acquired the renowned startup io, which is focused on developing an innovative AI gadget, thanks to a collaboration between ex-Apple design maestro Jony Ive and OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman. The acquisition is valued at a significant $6.5 billion.

This week, OpenAI released a video vaguely outlining the partnership between Ive and Altman, yet further insights about their plans have emerged.

So, what's on their agenda with all those resources and expertise? The eagle-eyed journalists at The Washington Post uncovered an internal chat where Sam Altman revealed a goal of distributing 100 million AI companions.

Altman reportedly conveyed to his team that this device represents a monumental opportunity for OpenAI, describing it as potentially the most significant development the company has embarked upon.

It should be noted, Altman has identified this 100 million figure as an eventual objective. Were not going to release 100 million devices immediately, he clarified. Yet, with quintessential Silicon Valley ambition, he boasted about reaching that mark faster than any company has with any new product.

So, what's the essence of this companion? The device is intended to be fully cognizant of a users environment and even their life. While initially described as a standalone device, Altman hinted it may consist of a broader family of devices.

Jony Ive labeled it a new design movement, likely hinting at a manifesto of minimalism in progress.

Why the complete acquisition then, when a partnership was the original intent? The initial plan involved Ive's startup handling the hardware side while OpenAI contributed the intelligence. However, the vision appears to have expanded beyond that. This is not merely an accessory anymore.

Altman emphasized that the device will be a core aspect of interacting with OpenAI. He even mused over the possibility of subscribers to ChatGPT receiving new computers as a part of their service.

Frankly, they believe today's technology  laptops, websites  falls short of delivering the AI experiences they envisage. Altman boldly stated that current AI applications do not reflect the futuristic potential of AI's capabilities.

As much as we know, its not a smartphone. Altman also dismissed the idea of it being glasses. Meanwhile, Jony Ive does not seem eager to tread the path of wearables again, honoring his distinctive design philosophy.

The silver lining for the anxious tech community is that this isnt a pipe dream. Ive's team has a tangible prototype. Altman has been experimenting with one at home. As for public availability? Altman is reportedly eyeing a late 2026 launch.

For now, OpenAI is cloaking the device in secrecy, but the perennial supply chain grapevine is chirping. Credible Apple supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo shared some speculative design details via social media.

Kuo suggests it might be slightly larger than the Humane AI Pin but maintain the sleekness of an iPod Shuffle. Like the Shuffle, Kuo noted, it will lack a screen.

According to Kuo, the device will communicate with phones and computers using microphones for audio input and cameras for visual context. Intriguingly, it's expected to be worn around the neck, much like a necklace, rather than clipped on like the AI Pin.

Kuo predicts mass production in 2027 while mentioning the final version might undergo changes.

The multi-billion dollar question (precisely 5.1 billion) remains: will this OpenAI device truly revolutionize, or will it join the ranks of ambitious projects that fizzled out, much like the AI Pin?

Altman, brimming with assurance, believes it will be the coolest piece of technology the world has yet to see.