Recent court filings have shed some light on this secretive collaboration between OpenAI and io, a hardware startup funded in part by Google. Together, the partnership will design a groundbreaking all-in-one AI device that has the potential to revolutionize how users interact with technology and information. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, indicated that the prototype would be portable enough to fit in a pocket or rest on a desk, reflecting the ambition behind the project.
Easily differentiating this partnership is the AI knowhow of Open AI. By doing so, it highlights all the ways that io is shaking up the hardware industry. io, co-founded by Tang Tan, focuses on producing custom-molded earpieces tailored specifically to interact with and connect to other devices. Tan, the chief hardware officer of the Newark, New Jersey–based startup, told E&E News what they’re up to right now. Beyond that, they’re looking beyond the in-ear form factor to extend the experience even further.
At meetings between OpenAI and io executives and iyO’s leadership, their in-ear tech left fellow attendees shaking their heads. This demonstration showcased how io’s innovations could integrate with OpenAI’s AI capabilities. Interestingly enough, Altman went on to recommend iyO for an investment. He even proposed to sell OpenAI for $200 million, highlighting his high expectations for the project.
The safeguard has been the partnership’s tendency to dazzle the imagination of industry veterans. io’s first prototype reportedly “completely captured” Jony Ive’s attention, signaling strong interest from influential figures in technology design. In addition, OpenAI executives and former Apple leaders currently working at io have dedicated the past year to researching in-ear hardware devices.
Tang Tan explained what was so exciting about the collaboration. He cautioned that the prototype Altman talked about is not an in-ear device or a wearable device. He made clear that this is not the finished design. In addition, he pointed out that the product can’t be advertised or sold for at least a year.
Photo by Andrew Huang, used with permission and cropped Altman focused on the device’s remarkable performance. It will be completely aware of a user’s environment and serve as a “third screen,” augmenting our smartphones and notebook computers. This visionary idea aims to transform the way people use technology in their everyday lives.
Evans Hankey, co-founder and chief product officer of io, corroborated Tan’s claims. He would not comment on whether State is pursuing a custom-molded earpiece product at this time. This implies a larger roadmap for the partnership, one which could see new product verticals emerge in coming years.
In advancing their product development, io recently purchased a extensive library of three-dimensional ear scans from The Ear Project. This resource will help them create ergonomic designs for their future prototypes. OpenAI’s collaboration with io shows a desire to push the boundaries of what we consider a product and interface to be.
Additionally, OpenAI’s VP of Product, Peter Welinder, has engaged with Tang Tan and iyO’s CEO, Jason Rugolo, to gain insights into iyO’s in-ear product. This collaborative knowledge sharing only strengthens the alliance’s capacity to innovate and shake up the tech landscape even more.
OpenAI has completed with a court order. They’ve scrubbed marketing collateral related to their $6.5 billion purchase of Jony Ive’s io startup. This legal compliance highlights the need for transparency and accountability to regulatory standards as both firms continue working through their partnership.
