According to the Financial Times, Openai and Jony Ive face important technical challenges as they are working on developing screenless, AI-powered devices.
In May, Openai acquired IO, a device startup founded by legendary Apple designers along with Openai CEO Sam Altman for $6.5 billion. At the time, Altman declared that IVE and his team would help the company “create computers with a new generation of AI,” and Bloomberg reported that the first device that emerged from the transaction was due to be released in 2026.
FT says Openai and Ive are aiming to create “a palm-sized device with no screen that can take audio and visual clues from the physical environment and respond to user requests.” However, open issues with the device’s “personality”, how privacy is handled, and computing infrastructure could delay launches.
For example, one source told FT that the device would take a “always on” approach, rather than waiting for a specific oral prompt, but the team reportedly struggles to ensure that they only speak up when it is useful and end the conversation at the right time.
