The CEO of ChatGPT is reportedly planning to unleash 100 million ‘AI companions’ that will watch the users’ every move.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more similar to Black Mirror, the rise of AI continues to hit the mark.
But this isn’t science fiction as Sam Altman, who heads up OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, made the announcement to his staff recently that a new AI device is in the works.
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Altman is teaming up with Apple designer Jony Ive to create a new device that the pair hope will become a ‘third core’ product.
This means that it is something that would be placed on a desk after an iPhone and a MacBook.
Altman has also instructed employees to ship 100 million of the devices.
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While there is much mystery around the device, Altman gave his staff a preview of it on Wednesday (May 21), and what is known is that it’ll be pocket-sized, screen-free, and contextually aware.
It’s still unclear what the device’s awareness will entail and whether that includes recordings or not.
But what we do know is that the product won’t be eyewear.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the plan by Altman and Ive is to try to wean people off screens.
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In a leaked recording of an internal staff call, Altman shared his plans for a ‘family of devices’ that are expected to be created in collaboration with Ive.
This is after OpenAI announced its intention to acquire the Apple designer’s startup company, named io, for $6.5 billion.
Altman went on to say that the purchase could boost OpenAI to become a $1 trillion firm.
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Meanwhile, Ive reportedly referred to the project as ‘a new design movement’.
When will the device be available to buy?
It’s expected that the device will be released by late 2026 but any other information surrounding its release is still shrouded in mystery.
This is due to concerns over competitors possibly copying the product before it is even on shop shelves.
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Last year, in a profile of Ive for the New York Times, it was reported that ‘generative AI made it possible to create a new computing device because the technology could do more for users than traditional software’.
Altman certainly seems to have high hopes for the device, saying that it will ship ‘faster than any company has ever shipped 100 million of something new before’.