Reports indicate that Jony Ive, the renowned designer behind the iPhone, is working with OpenAI to design a new AI-powered device for the home. The prototype is described as a smart speaker-like unit that incorporates a camera, going beyond the standard microphone found in devices like Amazon Echo.
The camera would enable the device to recognize objects and faces, potentially allowing for visual identification and new purchasing methods. This development follows OpenAI's acquisition of Ive's design firm last year for a significant sum.
While concepts for wearable AI pins have struggled, this smart speaker approach appears to be gaining more traction as a familiar form factor. The project signifies a further step in cameras becoming multi-purpose input devices for computing, rather than tools solely for photography.