San Francisco, September 23: Jony Ive, a former industry designer at Apple who is credited with several iconic Apple products, including the first iPhone launched in 2007, iPod portable MP3 players, MacBook Air, and many others, has joined Sam Altman-run OpenAI to work on a secret AI device. This device will reportedly be powered by generative AI and is said to be inspired by the original 2007 iPhone.

According to reports, the specifics of the genAI-powered OpenAI device are not yet known; however, it would likely be  Apple's rival. The partnership between OpenAI and Jony Ive's designer firm LoveFrom would likely bring an 'iPhone of AI', say reports. There are rumours about the possible collaboration between the former Apple designer and Sam Altman's AI company, which may put this new project on a different level. OpenAI Academy Initiative Launched To Invest in AI Talent, Empower Global Communities and Bring Innovation in Low & Middle-Income Countries.

The New York Times reported that Jony Ive or Jonathan Paul Ive had spoken about the involvement with Sam Altman's OpenAI. The British designer said that he was developing a device that would use AI to create a computing experience which would be less socially disruptive than Apple's iPhone. To work on the project, Ive also brought two former Apple employees Evans Hankey and Tang Tan.

Around 10 members from LoveFrom are involved in the OpenAI project. The reports said that Jony Ive's company had already created the cardboard boxes with the early product designs. To fund the project, Sam Altman and Jonathan are reportedly raising funds. The New York Times said that the company has raised money privately, with Ive, Emerson Collective, and Ms Powell Job's company offering contributions. This could raise up to USD 1 billion in start-up funding from tech investors by the end of 2024. Google To Explore More AI Opportunities and Their Benefits in India in Fields Like Healthcare, Education: CEO Sundar Pichai.

Jony Ive and His Work at Apple During His Time

57-year-old Jony Ive has held a remarkable position at Apple for 27 years, designing iconic products that all brand enthusiasts use today. He played a pivotal role in making the Apple brand more known to people by creating products like the iPad, iPhone, and MacBook, offering sleek and minimalist designs. The British designer also contributed to the design of Apple's iOS and other software interfaces. On June 27, 2019, he left Apple and started his independent firm LoveFrom.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2024 06:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).