OpenAI had a huge announcement of their own, acquiring Sam Altman’s AI powered cathedral building device startup, io. Together, the deal’s $6.5 billion price tag is staggering. The Information originally reported the acquisition back in March. Intriguingly, the famous Apple designer turned prophet of human-centric design is now at the forefront of God’s own generative AI technology. Together, the companies are looking to create the next generation of intelligent, AI-driven consumer devices that go beyond existing screen-based interactions.
Jony Ive is known for being the genius behind legendary creations such as the iPhone, iPod, iPad and Apple Watch during his career at Apple. Now he’s got a new groove in mind. He’ll remain head of his design firm, LoveFrom. The firm will remain independently operated even after the acquisition. OpenAI is opening a new frontier of partnership, taking an all-equity stake in io. This dynamic firm has a staff of about 55 brilliant engineers, scientists, researchers, physicists and product development specialists.
For the last two years, Ive and Altman have poured their energy into building a uniquely effective AI apparatus. Their mission is to see consumers progress past mere touchscreen or screen-based interactions. This exciting project seeks to develop an entire user experience like the technology seen in the movie “Her.” OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, had very positive things to say about the partnership with Jony Ive.
“Thrilled to be partnering with Jony, imo the greatest designer in the world.” – Sam Altman
OpenAI and Jony Ive are already working together to disrupt the consumer hardware space. This potential partnership would position OpenAI to be an even more formidable rival to Apple. Fidji Simo, who previously ran the consumer division at Meta and worked on consumer apps there, is leading OpenAI’s charge on consumer app initiatives. With her at the helm, the company certainly sounds poised to explode old paradigms in tech.
The strategic acquisition is a continuation down that path after OpenAI announced a 23% stake in io. This shift to an all-equity stake signals OpenAI’s seriousness about continuing to pursue its goals in the increasingly competitive AI field. The new transatlantic partnership will utilize Jony Ive’s unrivaled design prowess. Combined with OpenAI’s leading-edge technology, they are set to introduce a new generation of AI-powered computers.
Purchasing io furthers OpenAI’s ultimate vision. Our goal is to produce consumer applications that cut across the clutter and noise and seamlessly incorporate more powerful AI capabilities. Both Altman and Ive are hopeful about the potential of this new creative endeavor.
“Excited to try to create a new generation of AI-powered computers.” – Sam Altman
Relaxed and re-centered, Jony Ive has been keeping a home in New York City with his partner, a music therapist. Their partnership promises to yield pioneering developments in consumer technologies. With this collaboration continuing to evolve, both tech and automotive industry insiders expect it to revolutionize the way consumers use technology and set the standard in privacy and security.
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