Former Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman were previously reported to have partnered up to develop a device that was dubbed the ‘iPhone of AI.’ While the exact nature of the product is unknown at this stage, the latest information states that the hardware being worked on is not a smartphone, but for the two individuals to complete their goal, they will require funding, which is what their aim is at this time.
Sam Altman and Jony Ive attempt to close funding up to $1 billion for the mysterious AI device
The unnamed startup, which Sam Altman and Jony Ive formed, seeks to raise funds up to $1 billion, according to The Information. Since we have mentioned that the device will not look like a smartphone, the product may behave similarly to the Humane Ai Pin or the rabbit r1. An interesting fact is that according to MacRumors, Altman is a major investor in the Humane Ai Pin, so the secretive device may function similarly to the $699 wearable.
Both Sam Altman and Jony Ive are trying to source funds from venture capitalists, with the aim of raising millions in capital since that is what it will likely take for this AI hardware to enter the market. We previously reported that SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son was in discussion with Altman and Ive, with brainstorming sessions supposedly being held in Ive’s San Francisco studio. Other entities that may end up in the investment pool are Thrive Capital, which has funded OpenAI, and Emerson Collective, a venture capital firm.
According to previous information, Ive was open to the idea that this device could be interacted with as a computer, but it would be less reliant on displays. Of course, since the nature of the product is yet to be disclosed, it is likely that it is in its concept stages and will probably take years for the design to be finalized. Hopefully, we will hear more about Sam Altman’s and Jony Ive’s unnamed startup in the coming months, so stay tuned for more updates.
News Source: The Information