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Big Tech Races to Invent the Ultimate AI Device
OpenAI and Jony Ive are creating a new AI device to simplify interactions beyond current gadgets. Voice and local processing are key to seamless, reliable AI use.
Big Tech’s Search for the Perfect AI Device
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has teamed up with Jony Ive, the former Apple design chief behind the iPhone, to develop a new gadget tailored for engaging with generative artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to create a device that simplifies interaction with AI assistants—making it as natural as talking to a friend.
Current AI interactions happen through various devices like eyewear, speakers, computers, and smartphones. But Ive believes these legacy products are outdated. “The products that we're using to deliver and connect us to unimaginable technology are decades old,” he said. “It's just common sense to at least think, surely there's something beyond these legacy products.”
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised a prototype Ive shared, calling it “the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen.” While no specific details have been revealed, reports suggest the device won’t feature a screen or be worn like a watch or brooch.
Why a New AI Device?
Kyle Li, a professor at The New School, points out that since AI hasn’t been fully integrated into everyday life, there’s an opportunity to create a product specifically designed for it. Rob Howard of Innovating with AI stresses that the software’s design—whether it supports human needs—is just as important as the device itself.
Learning From Past Attempts
The AI Pin, a badge-like gadget packed with AI features, failed to gain traction and disappeared from the market less than a year after launching in 2024. Despite its $699 price tag and initial buzz, the product didn’t find enough buyers.
Meanwhile, big players like Meta and OpenAI are making significant investments in AI-infused hardware. OpenAI acquired Ive’s startup in a multi-billion-dollar deal. Google is developing mixed-reality glasses with AI capabilities, and Amazon continues enhancing Alexa in its Echo devices. Apple, on the other hand, is taking a cautious approach, slowly integrating generative AI into iPhones and delaying plans to upgrade Siri with generative AI.
Olivier Blanchard, research director at Futurum, believes Apple missed an opportunity to lead the AI interface space earlier. He envisions a hub device that lets users access AI primarily through voice commands, without depending entirely on internet connectivity.
Why Voice and Local Processing Matter
Blanchard highlights concerns around cloud-only AI solutions—issues like reliability, security, cost, and environmental impact. “There is not enough energy in the world to do this, so we need to find local solutions,” he said.
Voice is expected to be the main way people interact with AI, supporting the vision of “ambient computing” where technology blends seamlessly into daily life. Google CEO Sundar Pichai advocates for this approach, suggesting there’s no longer a need to type or touch when you can simply speak.
The Challenge Ahead
Rob Howard notes that the number of wearable devices people accept is limited, and adding more gadgets might cause overwhelm. A dedicated AI device isn’t an obvious solution, but OpenAI’s resources and talent give it the potential to succeed.
Julien Codorniou, a venture capital partner and former Facebook executive, points out that OpenAI’s recent hire of Fidji Simo—former Facebook executive and Instacart chief—as head of applications is a strategic move to tackle the hardware challenge.
Despite the buzz around new devices, smartphones remain deeply embedded in daily life and won’t be replaced anytime soon as AI interaction hubs.
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