OpenAI has work with famous designer Jony Ive. Together, this engagement represents a huge step in the ongoing evolution of consumer technology. This partnership comes on the heels of Digital Reality’s $6.5 billion acquisition of a joint venture named io. Over the last two years, Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have been secretly working on this venture. The new AI-powered device is aimed at users who want to go beyond the screens they know. It will fundamentally change the way consumers interact with technology.
Hey, at least Jony Ive is getting paid to take generative AI technology to the moon. He’s famous for his influence in developing some of the world’s most acclaimed products, including the iPhone, iPod, iPad and Apple Watch. Ive at the helm, this ambitious project employs a talented team of 55 engineers, scientists, researchers, physicists and product development specialists. Their expertise is what makes the project most primed for success. Such a partnership would give OpenAI the muscle it needs to really challenge Apple’s hold on the market. If OpenAI does release consumer hardware, it’d directly compete with the tech giant’s existing hardware lineup.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he was thrilled about the partnership. I couldn’t be happier to be in business with Jony, who I consider the world’s greatest designer,” said Ive. He stressed the larger vision of developing a new generation of AI-enabled computers that move beyond traditional screen-based interfaces. Whether you realize it or not, the project has very strong origins. Earlier this year, Altman and Ive started talking about getting a device like that imagined based on the technology in the movie “Her.”
OpenAI has gained complete ownership of io under the new deal, up from 49%. That’s a big leap from their former 23% hold. The new consortium, which is called the Innovation Lab, will concentrate on advancing AI-enabled consumer devices and additional pioneering initiatives. Under the terms of this partnership, Jony Ive will still have total control over his design firm, LoveFrom which, as previously reported, will still operate independently.
Earlier this month, OpenAI appointed Fidji Simo to lead its consumer applications team, reinforcing its commitment to expanding into new markets and consumer-facing technologies. Combined with Simo’s clear leadership and vision, with Ive’s design expertise, that makes a potent duo. Taken together, they’re poised to reshape how consumers engage with artificial intelligence.
… humane design Jony Ive now lives in Manhattan with his wife, a music therapist. His embrace of OpenAI’s leadership team is a critical step for him and the nonprofit. Together, they continue to lead the charge to change the world of consumer technology.