Sam Altman gives big update on ChatGPT powered AI device, says first prototype is 'jaw-droppingly good'

Ever since OpenAI announced that it is acquiring former Apple designer Jony Ive's startup, there has been a lot of rumours floating around on the new hardware that the AI startup could bring to the market. While OpenAI had confirmed that it is working on ChatGPT powered AI products, the company had not given much details on the potential launch date and specfications of these products.

In a recent conversation with Emerson Collective, Ive and Altman more or less confirmed that they are working on multiple hardware devices that are powered by AI. The duo also confirmed that the first AI powered devices could be launched to the public in the next two years, suggesting a potential 2027 timeframe.

Altman also confirmed that OpenAI has the first prototype of these devices and he is excited by looking at that progress.

“We have the first prototypes. I can’t believe how jaw dropping good the work is and how exciting it is” Altman said

Altman called iPhone the ‘crowing achievement of consumer products’, he argued that modern devices have turned into a kind of digital Times Square that are loud, chaotic, and constantly demanding attention.

The OpenAI CEO went on to argue that his new devices want to flip that dynamic entirely by creating a device with AI that genuinely understands the life of users and knows when to step in and when to stay silent.

“You can then go for a vibe that is not like, you know, walking through Times Square and getting bumped into and having all this stuff compete for your attention. But like sitting in the most beautiful cabin by a lake and in the mountains and sort of just enjoying the peace and calm and I think this actually just isn’t possible in the pre-AI world of technology.” Altman stated

Talking about the design choices for the new product, Ive said, “I love solutions that teeter on the peering, almost naive, in their simplicity. And, and I also love incredibly intelligent, sophisticated products that you want to touch and you still know, intimidation and you want to use almost carelessly that you will use them almost without thought”

What products OpenAI could offer?

An earlier report from The Information had revealed that OpenAI could be working on a range of hardware products, one of which could resemble a smart speaker wihout dipslay. Other products the company is said to be working on are smart glasses, a digital voice recorder, and a wearable pin.

​OpenAI is said to have already secured a contract with Apple's product assembler Luxshare to make one of the consumer devices.

​Luxshare, a major assembler of Apple's iPhones and AirPods, would bring large-scale manufacturing capabilities to OpenAI's effort.

​Meanwhile, the company is also said to have approached another Apple product assembler, Goertek, to supply products like speaker modules for the upcoming devices. Goertek assembles AirPods, HomePods, and Apple Watches for the Cupertino-based tech giant