OpenAI and renowned designer Jony Ive are facing several technical challenges as they race to develop a new artificial intelligence device expected to launch next year.
The San Francisco-based AI company, led by Sam Altman, acquired Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, for Sh1 trillion ($6.5 billion) in May. Since then, the two have kept details of their project under wraps. However, sources familiar with the plans say they are creating a small, screenless gadget capable of understanding and responding to audio and visual cues from its surroundings.
Despite progress in hardware design, major hurdles remain in software development and system infrastructure. These include determining the device’s “personality,” addressing privacy concerns, and finding enough computing power to support OpenAI’s complex language models.
“Compute is another huge factor for the delay,” said one source close to Ive. “Amazon has the infrastructure for Alexa, and Google does for its Home devices — but OpenAI is struggling to get enough compute for ChatGPT, let alone an AI gadget. They need to fix that first.”
Sources say the challenges are part of the normal product development process. The upcoming device, roughly the size of a smartphone, will use cameras, microphones, and speakers for communication. It’s designed to sit on a desk but can also be carried around.
Unlike current smart speakers, the gadget will reportedly be “always on,” gathering environmental data to help its virtual assistant develop memory. The Wall Street Journal earlier revealed some of these details.
The device’s goal is to go beyond traditional smart speakers such as Amazon’s Echo or Google Home, which are mainly used for simple tasks like playing music or setting timers. Instead, OpenAI and Ive hope to build a smarter, more engaging personal assistant.
However, finding the right “voice” and personality for the AI remains a challenge. Developers want the device to sound natural without being overly talkative or intrusive — a balance that has proven difficult even for ChatGPT.
“The concept is that you should have a friend who’s a computer — not your weird AI girlfriend,” said a person familiar with the project. “It should be like Siri, but better.”
OpenAI’s move into hardware comes as the company was recently valued at $500 billion, making it the world’s most valuable private company — surpassing Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The new AI device is part of its strategy to justify that valuation and expand beyond software.
The tech market, however, remains tough. Similar products, like Humane’s AI Pin — which Altman personally invested in — have struggled, while the pendant-style Friend AI device has been criticized for being “creepy” and having a “snarky” personality.
To strengthen its hardware team, OpenAI has hired more than 30 top engineers from Apple and Meta, including over 20 who previously worked under Ive. The company is also working with Chinese contract manufacturer Luxshare to build its first AI device, though production may occur outside China.
Both OpenAI and LoveFrom declined to comment on the project.
Also Read: Amy Schumer Shows Off Slimmer Look After Major Weight Loss Transformation
