OpenAI in Discussions with Jony Ive Regarding Exciting New Hardware Project

OpenAI, known for its advanced language models and innovative art-generating AI, is now setting its sights on hardware. According to a recent report by The Information, legendary former Apple product designer Jony Ive is in discussions with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman about a new AI hardware project.

Details surrounding this initiative remain sparse. However, it has been suggested that billionaire Masayoshi Son, founder and CEO of investment holding company SoftBank, is involved in some capacity. As reported, OpenAI’s hardware efforts are still in the very early phases, with Altman and Ive only beginning to explore potential concepts for the hardware, without delving into specific features, functionalities, or target markets just yet.

Ive brings a wealth of experience and a formidable reputation to the table. Since exiting Apple in 2019, the former chief design officer has advised on various products, including a luxurious $60,000 turntable for audio company Linn and a logo design for King Charles III’s Astra Carta initiative, which aims to promote sustainable practices in space exploration.

Venturing into hardware, however, presents significant challenges. OpenAI understands this well, having previously operated a robotics division that investigated how machines could learn to execute complex tasks, such as solving Rubik’s Cubes. The division was disbanded in July 2021 due to severe technical hurdles and likely budget overruns.

Nonetheless, OpenAI is well-positioned financially. The company revealed it anticipates reaching $1 billion in revenue this year and boasts a staggering $11.3 billion in venture capital funding. Recently, OpenAI secured an additional approximately $300 million, and reports suggest it is in talks to sell shares, which could potentially elevate its valuation from $29 billion to between $80 billion and $90 billion.

While entering the hardware market carries inherent risks, OpenAI is likely to navigate the challenges more effectively than many, should the project not meet expectations.