The ambitions of the world's largest AI company are under threat.

The AI ​​device developed by OpenAI in collaboration with "Apple wizard" Jony Ive is facing many problems and is likely to be delayed.

Jony Ive (left) and Sam Altman. Photo: OpenAI .

According to sources from the Financial Times , OpenAI and designer Jony Ive are facing difficulties surrounding the project to develop an AI device. Expected to launch next year, the product is facing a series of technical problems.

In May, OpenAI acquired Ive-founded startup io Products for $6.5 billion . Under the deal, the two companies will jointly develop a small, screenless AI device that can receive audio and visual signals from the physical environment and respond to user requests.

The hardware is being developed by Ive’s team, which designed the iMac, iPod, and iPhone. OpenAI is building the software. The software and infrastructure issues are major hurdles, including the personality of the assistant, privacy, and the cost of the infrastructure needed to run OpenAI’s models on mass-market devices.

“Computing power is also a factor in the delay. Amazon has enough computing power for Alexa, Google has the same with the Home line of devices.

OpenAI is still struggling to provide enough computing power for ChatGPT, let alone the AI ​​device,” a source close to Ive said.

A person familiar with OpenAI said the technical issues were normal during the product development phase. Based on the plan, the device would be roughly the size of a smartphone, allowing users to interact through a camera, microphone and speaker.

The product is designed to be placed on a desk or dining table, but can also be carried around. The source said the device is always on, instead of being activated by a button or voice. Sensors on the device will continuously collect data for the assistant to remember.

In early October, OpenAI surpassed SpaceX to become the world's most valuable private company after a $500 billion valuation. One of the reasons for OpenAI's price tag is its plans to invest heavily in hardware.

Jony Ive and Sam Altman in a video . Photo: OpenAI .

OpenAI’s goal is to improve smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo line with its Alexa assistant, but the source stressed that defining the “voice” and how the device behaves is still a headache for OpenAI and Ive.

Issues raised include how to make the device only ring when necessary, preventing over-talking or not knowing when to end a conversation. These are also issues that exist on ChatGPT.

“The model’s personality is a tricky thing to balance. It can’t be too flattering, too straightforward or helpful, and it can’t just keep talking in a loop,” a person close to the project stressed.

If it does launch, OpenAI’s product will enter a tough market. Friend, a pendant-shaped companion, has been criticized for being “creepy” and having an “unlikable” personality. Meanwhile, the Humane AI Pin, which has similar features, has been discontinued.

Still, OpenAI has been aggressively hiring hardware talent. The io Products deal brought in more than 20 former Apple hardware employees. According to LinkedIn , the company has also hired more than 10 Apple experts this year.

Previously, The Information said OpenAI was working with several Chinese manufacturers, including Luxshare. However, the latest source said the product could be assembled outside of China.

Source: https://znews.vn/tham-vong-cua-openai-bi-de-doa-post1591143.html