OpenAI, renowned for its creation of chatGPT, has entered into advanced discussions with former Apple design luminary Jony Ive and SoftBank’s CEO, Masayoshi Son, with the ambitious goal of birthing the “iPhone of artificial intelligence”. SoftBank, the Japanese multinational conglomerate, has committed a substantial financial backing exceeding $1 billion to propel this visionary project. While SoftBank has refrained from offering official commentary on the matter, the Financial Times has validated the authenticity of these deliberations.
Reports indicate that Sam Altman, Chief of OpenAI, has enlisted the services of Ive’s brainchild, LoveFrom, to spearhead the development of OpenAI’s inaugural consumer-centric device. Citing sources privy to the matter, the Financial Times divulges that the negotiations have reached a notable degree of gravity, prompting speculation that a formal tripartite alliance may be unveiled within the coming months. Despite numerous attempts to solicit feedback, Jony Ive, LoveFrom, and OpenAI have maintained a tight-lipped stance.
Breaking the story on Wednesday, The Information revealed that Ive and Altman have been engrossed in talks about the conception of a revolutionary AI apparatus, with Son also playing a pivotal role in the discussions. Ive’s illustrious career has been deeply entwined with Apple, where he collaborated closely with co-founder Steve Jobs to birth the iconic candy-hued iMacs in the 1990s, in addition to contributing significantly to the evolution of the iPhone.
SoftBank’s foray into the AI arena has been marked by a keen interest in investments, particularly in the potential financing of OpenAI, following the triumphant debut of their Arm unit. Son has emphatically stated his intent to allocate tens of billions of dollars towards technological ventures, and this strategic partnership holds the promise of unlocking a trove of future investment prospects.
The trilateral collaboration between OpenAI, Jony Ive, and SoftBank, currently in advanced stages of negotiation, aspires to conceive the “iPhone of Artificial Intelligence” with a formidable financial backing surpassing $1 billion from SoftBank. While a formal announcement of this venture may be some months away, the ramifications of this partnership could well shape the trajectory of future AI innovations.
Source: Reuters
