100 Million Real-World AI Companions

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced ambitious plans to launch 100 million AI-powered devices that integrate seamlessly into daily life, with designs by former Apple chief Jony Ive. This follows OpenAI’s recent acquisition of Ive’s hardware startup, io, for $6.5 billion. Altman envisions this as a transformative opportunity, proposing a family of devices that serve as AI companions without traditional screens or wearable tech, aiming to reshape human-machine interaction. The project’s inception stemmed from discussions about creating purpose-built computers for ChatGPT users but evolved into a broader vision to overcome existing hardware limitations. Despite the high stakes—OpenAI is projected to incur $44 billion in losses before reaching profitability in 2029—the strategic push intends to secure ownership over the AI ecosystem currently dominated by Apple and Google. The first device is expected to launch by late 2026, with hopes of selling 100 million units faster than any competitor.

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