OpenAI buys AI startup that built interface for Apple computers (www.cnbc.com)

OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, a 12-person startup behind Sky, a macOS assistant that lets users prompt the system in natural language to write, code, plan and manage tasks — and can take actions inside apps by understanding what's on a user’s screen. All employees are joining OpenAI; terms were not disclosed. Software Applications was founded in 2023 and unveiled Sky in May; OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was a seed investor in the company. The deal was led by Nick Turley (head of ChatGPT) and Fidji Simo (CEO of applications). The purchase signals OpenAI’s push from cloud models toward deeper OS- and UI-level integrations: Sky’s ability to interpret screen contents and operate across apps shows how AI can become an agentic layer on top of existing desktop tools. Technically, that implies tighter hooks into system APIs, automation flows and UI understanding (screen parsing, app controls), raising both product upside — more seamless, action-oriented assistants inside everyday apps — and questions about privacy, permissions and sandboxing. The acquisition also continues OpenAI’s recent buying spree (Statsig, io), underscoring a strategy of combining talent, device integrations and product control to accelerate AI-powered end-user workflows.