Key Points
- Sam Altman and Jony Ive are collaborating on a new AI device. They aim to replace the “noisy” distraction of modern smartphones.
- Jony Ive suggested the product will launch in less than two years.
- The device uses context to know when to speak and when to stay quiet.
- The design philosophy focuses on simplicity and bringing users joy.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wants technology to feel less like a noisy city street and more like a quiet retreat in the woods. This week, he and legendary designer Jony Ive dropped new hints about “IO,” their mysterious upcoming AI joint venture. Speaking candidly with Laurene Powell Jobs, the duo painted a picture of a gadget designed to respect your peace rather than fight for your attention.
Altman did not hold back when describing the current state of personal technology. He compared using modern smartphones to walking through Times Square in New York City—loud, chaotic, and full of “little indignities.” He described the experience as a constant barrage of flashing lights and notifications that chase dopamine and ruin focus.
Even though he respects the iPhone—which Ive designed—Altman believes today’s apps and devices have become too demanding and distracting.
The new product from IO aims to fix this through extreme intelligence. Altman claims the device will possess “contextual awareness” of your entire life. Because it understands what you are doing, it knows exactly when to offer help and when to stay quiet.
The goal is to create a user experience that feels like sitting by a calm lake in the mountains, rather than getting bumped around in a crowd.
Ive emphasized that he hates products that “wag their tail in your face” to show off their complexity. Instead, he wants to build something that feels simple, almost naive, yet remains incredibly sophisticated to the touch.
Most industry watchers believe this will be a wearable device, perhaps similar in size to an old iPod shuffle. This form factor would allow the AI to see what you see and understand your daily routine. Ultimately, Altman says their mission is not just intelligence, but joy. They want to build a machine that simply makes people smile.
