OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has suggested the company is exploring a new computer design to enhance AI capabilities. Altman envisions AI becoming 'transcendentally good' through this hardware innovation. This marks a shift from his previous stance that new hardware wasn't essential for AI advancement. He now asserts current computers are inadequate for the demands of increasingly sophisticated AI models.
Altman's vision involves systems more contextually aware and attuned to their environment, moving beyond traditional interfaces. OpenAI is reportedly collaborating with Jony Ive, former Apple design chief, on a screen-free AI device intended as a complementary 'third core device'. This collaboration follows OpenAI's acquisition of Ive's AI device startup. The project aims to optimise hardware to complement advanced AI software, potentially incorporating custom silicon architectures. Such custom solutions could solve bottlenecks in AI processing speeds and energy consumption, with innovative cooling and memory configurations.
This initiative could spark renewed competition in AI hardware, challenging established players. The focus extends to energy efficiency, addressing the significant power consumption of current AI systems. The new device, anticipated by late 2026, aims for record adoption rates. However, promotion of the venture faced a temporary legal hurdle due to a trademark dispute.
