AI hardware
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Jony Ive Reportedly Designing AI Hardware for OpenAI, Including a Mysterious Mobile Device
OpenAI acquired Jony Ive’s startup for $6.5 billion, focusing on AI hardware. Ive is leading projects including a wearable “pendant” voice-command device for ChatGPT, a tabletop home device similar to a smart speaker, and a future robotics project. The wearable aligns with rumors of a screenless AI phone, aiming to revolutionize AI-driven computing experiences under Ive’s design expertise, as praised by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
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Report: OpenAI Makes Largest Acquisition to Date With $6.5 Billion Purchase of Ex-Apple Designer’s AI Startup
OpenAI announced plans to acquire AI hardware startup io, founded by Apple’s ex-design chief Jony Ive, in an all-stock deal worth $6.5 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date. The agreement includes $5 billion for io’s equity and leverages OpenAI’s existing 23% stake. io’s 55-member team will join a new OpenAI division to develop AI devices conceptualized during Ive and CEO Sam Altman’s two-year collaboration. Ive will lead creative direction for next-gen ChatGPT interfaces and ambient computing products, aligning with his minimalist tech philosophy. Altman suggested a late-2026 launch, positioning the partnership as a response to Big Tech’s AI hardware efforts. The deal represents Ive’s return to consumer tech post-Apple.
