Jony Ive and OpenAI in talks for AI’s ‘iPhone’.

Jony Ive and OpenAI in talks for AI's 'iPhone'.

The $1 Billion Venture: Building “The iPhone of Artificial Intelligence”

Former Apple design guru Jony Ive and OpenAI’s Sam Altman are reportedly in advanced talks with SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son to launch a groundbreaking $1 billion venture. Their aim? To create “the iPhone of artificial intelligence.” This exciting news comes in the wake of recent reports suggesting that Ive and Altman were collaborating on an AI gadget. Now, it appears their plans are bigger and bolder than anticipated.

The Financial Times reports that Altman is keen to enlist Ive’s design agency, LoveFrom, in the development of his first consumer device, known as the ChatGPT creator. This collaboration aims to redefine the user experience of interacting with AI, just as the iPhone revolutionized the mobile internet with its touchscreen innovations.

The discussions between Altman and Ive have taken place at Ive’s San Francisco studio. These brainstorming sessions have explored various concepts for a consumer product that leverages OpenAI’s technology, with the core objective of creating a more natural and intuitive AI interaction. However, it’s important to note that, at this stage, the process of identifying a specific design or device remains in its early phases, with multiple ideas on the table.

SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son, the founder and CEO of the conglomerate, has also been involved in these discussions. Son is considering a central role for British chip designer Arm, in which SoftBank holds a 90% stake. Furthermore, he has expressed an intent to invest $1 billion in the venture, signaling his commitment to the project.

For Ive, a significant motivation behind this collaboration is addressing the compulsive nature of smartphone usage. The renowned designer envisions this venture as an opportunity to develop a new way of interacting with computers that is less reliant on screens. By doing so, the aim is to alleviate some of the negative aspects of our relationship with technology.

While the discussions are said to be “serious,” it is crucial to note that no deal has been finalized. It may take several months before any official announcement is made, as negotiations continue. Additionally, even if an agreement is reached, it is likely to be years before a tangible device resulting from this collaboration enters the market.

Jony Ive left Apple in 2019 to embark on new endeavors with LoveFrom. Since its inception, the design agency has attracted at least four of Ive’s former Apple colleagues, including Wan Si, Chris Wilson, Patch Kessler, and Jeff Tiller. This reassembly of a talented team indicates the potential for groundbreaking innovation in their future projects.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Jony Ive, Sam Altman, and Masayoshi Son holds immense promise for the world of artificial intelligence. With Ive’s design expertise, Altman’s AI technology, and Son’s backing, they are poised to create a device that could redefine how we interact with AI, much like the iPhone did for the mobile internet. While specifics are currently under discussion, one thing is certain – we can expect great things to come from this ambitious and exciting venture.