Two prominent figures in the industry have spoken to secure a staggering $1 billion investment from SoftBank for their AI device project.
Dubbed the “iPhone of AI,” the product represents a collaboration between the former Apple design guru and OpenAI CEO.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks at the OpenAI DevDay event in San Francisco, California on November 6, 2023. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Developing an “AI iPhone”
Renowned designer Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are currently in advanced discussions with multiple venture capital firms to secure approximately $1 billion in funding.
Ive and Altman’s collaboration was first reported in September 2023, when they announced their intention to develop what they called the “iPhone of AI.”
The two held brainstorming sessions in Ive’s San Francisco studio to explore the potential for new consumer products centered around OpenAI’s cutting-edge technology.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son reportedly participated in these discussions and proposed a key role for chipmaker ARM, in which SoftBank holds a majority stake.
Although the talks were serious, no concrete agreement was reached at the time. However, recent sources say that the envisioned AI-powered hardware device will differ from traditional smartphone designs.
Reflects approach from past investments
Altman is looking into developing screenless devices, mirroring the approach taken with one of his recent investments, the Humane AI pin.
Mr. Altman is working with Mr. Ive on negotiations with various venture capital firms, including Thrive Capital and Emerson Collective.
They aim to secure approximately $1 billion in funding for new startup operations expected to leverage OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology.
Ive, who received critical acclaim for his work on iPhone design and iOS user interfaces, left Apple in 2019 to found his creative company LoveForm, but remained involved with Apple as a consultant through his business until 2022. I continued.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Ive stressed the importance of Apple addressing unintended consequences such as addictive apps, claiming it has a “moral responsibility” in this regard.
Smartphones are great at multitasking, but that versatility can also pose challenges.
Also Read: Humane’s Revolutionary Ai Pin: Pricing, Features, and Subscription Details Announced
Earlier this year, Apple faced a significant loss with the resignation of Evans Hankey, who replaced Jony Ive as head of design. As a result, the company soon found itself without a successor.
Bloomberg reported that Apple has chosen Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams to directly oversee the design team, instead of appointing a new head of design.
Meanwhile, LoveFrom has attracted high-profile clients such as Airbnb Inc., Ferrari NV, and Monckle SpA, solidifying its reputation in the industry.
Despite previously having a three-year consulting agreement with Apple, LoveFrom’s relationship with the tech giant ended in 2022. Notably, more than 20 former Apple employees have joined Love From, marking a significant transition away from the tech giant.
The trend away from Apple continues recently, with high-profile figures like Patrick Coffman, a key leader in user interface design, leaving the company.
Additionally, Colin Burns, who oversaw Apple’s interaction architecture team and was responsible for early hardware and software concepts, is leaving the company in January. Another departure from Apple’s famous industrial design team is Shota Aoyagi, who recently joined LoveFrom.
Related article: Apple’s chief privacy officer aims to move to law firm
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