Legendary Apple Designer Jony Ive Tackles Tech Anxiety with OpenAI
In a bid to redefine the relationship between humans and technology, legendary designer Jony Ive has joined forces with OpenAI to create AI-first devices that promote joy over anxiety. Ive, who co-founded Io, an AI hardware startup acquired by OpenAI for $6.5 billion earlier this year, aims to develop up to 20 new gadgets that will revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
According to Business Insider, Ive expressed his concerns about the "uncomfortable relationship" people have with their devices, stating, "When I said we have an uncomfortable relationship with our technology, I mean that's the most obscene understatement." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman echoed Ive's sentiments, saying, "We're not just building devices; we're trying to change the way people interact with AI."
Ive's involvement in this project marks a significant departure from his previous work at Apple, where he was instrumental in creating iconic products like the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. His new focus on AI-first devices is driven by the desire to create technology that sparks joy and reduces anxiety.
The partnership between OpenAI and Ive's Io startup highlights the growing importance of AI in shaping our relationship with technology. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of life, it raises questions about its impact on human well-being and society as a whole.
Experts say that Ive's approach is timely, given the increasing concerns about tech addiction, social isolation, and mental health. "Jony Ive's involvement in this project brings a much-needed design perspective to AI development," said Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading expert on AI ethics. "By prioritizing user experience and well-being, they can create devices that promote positive interactions with technology."
OpenAI has been at the forefront of developing AI-first devices, including its flagship product, the DALL-E image generator. The company's acquisition of Io and Ive's involvement signals a significant expansion of their efforts to create more intuitive and human-centered AI products.
As development on these new gadgets progresses, it remains to be seen how they will impact our relationship with technology. However, one thing is clear: Jony Ive's collaboration with OpenAI marks a significant step towards creating a more harmonious coexistence between humans and machines.
Background
Jony Ive, 58, is a renowned designer who spent over two decades at Apple, where he was responsible for designing some of the company's most iconic products. His departure from Apple in 2019 marked a new chapter in his career, with him focusing on AI-related projects through his startup, Io.
OpenAI, founded in 2015 by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and others, has been at the forefront of developing AI-first devices and technologies. The company's acquisition of Io and Ive's involvement signals a significant expansion of their efforts to create more intuitive and human-centered AI products.
Additional Perspectives
Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading expert on AI ethics, emphasized the importance of prioritizing user experience and well-being in AI development: "Jony Ive's involvement in this project brings a much-needed design perspective to AI development."
Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, highlighted the company's commitment to creating devices that promote positive interactions with technology: "We're not just building devices; we're trying to change the way people interact with AI."
*Reporting by Fortune.*
