Sam Altman teases 'beautiful' new device that will change how we use AI forever

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Sam Altman teases 'beautiful' new device that will change how we use AI forever

OpenAI's mysterious new device has been given a big endorsement from Altman

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called his company's new device 'beautiful' in a recent tease, suggesting that it has the capabilities to change the way that we use AI forever.

There's no doubt whatsoever that the release of ChatGPT changed the world, as it kickstarted the tidal wave of artificial intelligence that has taken over the tech industry and continues to evolve and expand.

What began as Altman's adaptation of the 'Manhattan Project' has now become one of the most used services worldwide, and its creator Sam Altman believes that it won't be long until conversations with AI overtake those humans have with each other.

Perhaps a key part of that could be the mysterious gadget that OpenAI is currently working on, as Altman certainly believes that it will do enough to shake up the AI space when it eventually releases.

What is OpenAI's mystery device?

As reported by Tom's Guide, there's not very many concrete details surrounding OpenAI's upcoming gadget, but Sam Altman has shared a number of hints that create an idea of what's on the horizon.

First and foremost, it's a product that is being designed in collaboration between OpenAI and Jony Ive – the designer behind many of Apple's most iconic products – so that's understandably upped the hype level considerably for many.

The device will be designed in collaboration between OpenAI and Apple icon Jony Ive (Lia Toby/BFC/Getty Images)
The device will be designed in collaboration between OpenAI and Apple icon Jony Ive (Lia Toby/BFC/Getty Images)

We know that it's neither a phone nor a pair of smart glasses, and instead a 'third core device' in the eyes of Altman, which equates to something you'd use alongside your phone or laptop but not replace them.

It's completely screen free and is a wearable device, and could perhaps be similar in form to some of the pre-existing AI companions that have flooded the market in recent years.

This is supported by it's ambient AI approach, providing always-on AI support that is supposed to be with you whenever you need it throughout the day, effectively bringing artificial intelligence to everything you do.

Furthermore, in a recent dinner conversation with journalists Altman called the mystery device "so beautiful," and jokingly threatened anyone that would dare cover it up with a protective case.

"If you put a case on it, I will personally hunt you down," he quipped, but that does perhaps suggest that it'll be big enough to justify covering with some form of protection.

How will the gadget 'change the world'?

While it's merely speculation right now due to how little information we have about the product, but it's focus on ambient always-on AI support would prove transformational if the product became as ubiquitous as smartphones, for example.

Sam Altman's mysterious gadget could change the world as we know it (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Sam Altman's mysterious gadget could change the world as we know it (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

It might not be meant to replace the screens that many of us use for hours every single day, but having access to the AI support of something like ChatGPT – especially in its more advanced 'Agent' forms – essentially whenever you need it would definitely represent a major evolution for the tech.

Anyone who has seen the Spike Jonze film 'Her' can probably picture where we might be in the future if this device catches on, as it could see entire populations become effectively tethered to AI tools that are always by their side, but until the product is actually revealed and put to the test, this remains merely speculation.

Featured Image Credit: Kevin Dietsch / Staff via Getty