Jony Ive and Sam Altman Discuss AI Device (www.macrumors.com)

OpenAI’s Sam Altman and designer Jony Ive revealed in a recent interview that OpenAI acquired Ive’s startup io and is developing a jaw‑dropping hardware prototype that the pair say reimagines what a “computer” can be. They describe a pocketable, screen‑free “third core” device (not glasses, watch, or earbuds) that acts as an active, proactive companion—calibrated to filter life’s noise, anticipate needs, and bring “peace and calm” rather than the sensory overload of current apps. The team expects a market‑ready product within two years and emphasizes a playful, tactile design that feels simple, delightful and almost irresistible to touch. Technically the project signals a push toward tight hardware–AI integration: continuous contextual awareness via microphones/cameras and other sensors, always‑on intent detection, and models that know large swaths of your history to act autonomously and selectively. That raises practical challenges and opportunities for on‑device versus cloud compute, latency, privacy/trust models, secure data storage and consent, and sensor fusion for reliable intent prediction. If realized, it could shift UI paradigms away from screens and apps toward ambient, trusted assistants—prompting new research and standards around contextual AI, safety, and human‑centered interaction design.