OpenAI is in talks with Jony Ive and Softbank to build an AI-powered gadget

Justin Sullivan (Getty Images), Kevin Dietsch (Getty Images)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple chief designer Jony Ive are planning to create a startup to develop a device with artificial intelligence. The project may be funded by Softbank.

Here's What We Know

Ive left Apple in 2019 and started his own creative agency LoveFrom with industrial designer Marc Newson. During his 27 years at Apple, Ive was involved in the design of some of the company's key products, including the iPod line, iPhone, iMac and Macbooks.

According to media reports, Ive and Altman have discussed creating an "iPhone for AI." Japanese fund Softbank is ready to invest up to $1bn in the project. Arm-based chips could become the basis of the future device.

Softbank is the majority shareholder of Arm, owning 90% stake in the British company after its recent IPO.

Negotiations are going on at a high level, but there is no formal agreement yet.

Source: Financial Times