Jony Ive says he's juggling up to 20 ideas for OpenAI gadgets

Jony Ive, renowned for his role as Apple's former chief designer, has revealed that he is currently developing between 15 to 20 innovative concepts for OpenAI's upcoming range of AI devices. During a conversation with CEO Sam Altman at the startup's DevDay conference held in San Francisco, Ive emphasized that these new gadgets will diverge significantly from traditional smartphones and tablets. Criticizing the very devices that helped shape his career, Ive expressed a desire for these new AI tools to enhance human well-being by fostering happiness and reducing anxiety. "When I mentioned our uncomfortable relationship with technology, it was a gross understatement," he stated. "We have an opportunity to not only rectify this but to fundamentally alter the current landscape of our digital interactions." Earlier this year, OpenAI acquired Ive’s device startup for over $6 billion, igniting curiosity about the nature of the innovative AI gadgets he is working on. Altman had previously hinted at the concept of an AI companion, suggesting a comprehensive family of devices could emerge. The combination of OpenAI’s capabilities and Ive’s design expertise poses a potential challenge to Apple, which has traditionally dominated the mobile industry but is currently lagging in generative AI. Ive acknowledged the rapid pace of development in the tech world, noting that it has made it challenging for him and his design team to concentrate effectively. "The momentum we’re experiencing has resulted in numerous compelling product ideas. The difficulty lies in maintaining focus," he explained. "It would be simpler if we had a clear top three ideas, but our goal is to create a cohesive family of products and ensure we are thoughtful in our approach." He expressed his hope that these devices will bring joy while addressing shortcomings inherent in smartphones and tablets over the last couple of decades. "The consequences of neglecting these issues can be dire," he warned. Ive also alluded to the importance of creating interfaces that foster genuine connection, stating, "If our designs can’t evoke honest smiles, we risk doing everyone a disservice." In a moment that seemed to critique Apple’s serious approach to product design, he hinted at a deeper understanding of interpersonal interactions. "We are deeply exploring the nuances of person-to-person communication and how interconnected our thoughts are with our tools," he said. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs, Ive reiterated that these new AI devices should operate seamlessly. "They should feel inevitable and obvious, as though there was no other reasonable solution to the problem at hand. People should look at them and think, 'Of course, that’s how it should be done; why did it take so long?'"