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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes the company’s upcoming AI hardware will surprise people with its simplicity. While speaking at Emerson Collective’s 9th annual Demo Day in San Francisco this weekend, Altman revealed that the new device prioritises peace over distraction.
Sam Altman anticipates a specific reaction when consumers first see the product. He stated:
When people see it, they say, ‘That’s it?… It’s so simple’.
This simplicity is a core feature of the collaboration between OpenAI and former Apple chief designer Jony Ive.
A Move Away from the ‘Times Square’ Chaos
During the interview led by Laurene Powell Jobs, Altman compared the current smartphone experience to walking through Times Square in New York. He described modern devices, including the iPhone, as chaotic. According to Altman, users constantly deal with “little indignities” like flashing lights, noise, and notifications. He feels these distractions prevent people from focusing on their own lives.
In contrast, Altman describes the “vibe” of OpenAI’s new device differently. He likens using it to “sitting in the most beautiful cabin by a lake and in the mountains”. The goal is to create a user experience that feels peaceful and calm.
Contextual Awareness & Trust
The device aims to filter out noise for the user. Altman explains that the AI will possess incredible “contextual awareness” of the user’s life. Therefore, it will know exactly when to present information and when to ask for input. The user will trust the AI to handle tasks autonomously over long periods.
Earlier this year, OpenAI acquired Ive’s design startup, io, to bring this vision to life. Although the product is still a prototype, rumours suggest it will be pocket-sized and screenless.
Launching Within 2 Years
Jony Ive confirmed during the event that the device should be available in under two years. He expressed his love for products that appear almost naive in their simplicity. Ive wants users to treat the device as a tool they can use “carelessly” and without thought.
While Altman acknowledges the iPhone as the “crowning achievement” of consumer products so far, he believes this new hardware will solve the issue of digital distraction. OpenAI is currently keeping specific technical details under wraps. However, the goal remains clear, which is to bring AI to the masses through a device that offers focus rather than engagement-chasing noise.
